Dramas of Camp 
and Cloister 



ARCHIE E. BARTLETT 




Class 



.P< 



3AJ23.. 



Rnnk .fyJ ZZlfr 



Copyright N°. 



J20.7 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 



Dramas of Camp an< 
Cloister 



By 
ARCHIE E. BARTLETT 




^ART!erV6RlWljft 



BOSTON 

RICHARD G. BADGER 

2Ihp C&orham |Ir?aB 



Copyright" 1907 by Archie E. Bartlett 



All Rights Reserved 



LIBRARY of 00 NGRESSf 
Two CeBles Received 

JUN24 130/ 

/; Copyright Entry 

#LASS <X XXC, No. 

/ 16 / 7 t 
COPY B. 






Printed at 

The Ookham Pbebb 

Boston, U.S.A. 



Contents 

T^ahna's Triumph / 

*Che Last Judgment 13 

Five Acts of Love ....... 2/ 

Love's Enchantment 35 

Empire of Talink ....... 73 



Digitized by the Internet Archive 
in 2011 with funding from 
The Library of Congress 



http://www.archive.org/details/dramasofcampctoiOObart 



RAHNA'S TRIUMPH 



i. 

Priest. O Altheus, Rahna's altars blaze with 

light, 
And ripe fruits in their golden splendor heaped, 
Mingle their odors with the finer incense 
Of delicate flowers ; these in their witchery sub- 
tile 
Like the exquisite spell of woman's tranquil 

presence, 
Which quickens yet subdues ; those more akin 
To manhood's sturdier glory. Feel'st thou not, 
Even thou, the sacred spell? 
Altheus. I feel indeed 

My heart grow tender. 
Pr. Not with barbarous rite 

We celebrate our worship. In this feast 
Of thanks for garnered grain, we shed no blood 
Of lowliest creature, but we share our gladness 
With even the voiceless peoples of the sod. 
Al. I know, I know — and praise you. 
Pr. Rahna's love 

Embraced all creatures, nor e'er gave consent 
To death or pain. The food of innocence 
Alone he blesses, nor permits his people 
To prey on weaker life. 
Al. 'Tis noble, noble ; 

Deny me not my brotherhood. I, too, 
Love the same mercy. 
Pr. Yet 'tis Rahna's mercy, 

Whom thou deniest. Altheus, all our race, 
Save thee and these, thy desolate followers, 
This handful of dissenters, blend their prayers — 



2 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

Sped on the beams of heaven-uplifted lids, 
With the kindred worship of this odorous light 
From Rahna's altars. 

Al. Most ungrudgingly 

I view the honors paid to gentle Rahna, 
Were they not marred by narrow human credos 
That circumscribe progression. 
Pr. What is narrow 

In the noble creed of Rahn? 
Al. Whate'er is finite, 

Though noble as the galaxy, is narrow. 
Pr. Altheus, sublime blasphemer, thou thyself 
Art nobler than the galaxy; yet thou 
Art also finite ; and contemning thus 
The ages' triumph, thou, lone pioneer, 
Wilt now transcend the finite? 
Al. ; Not the finite, 

But any given finite, even great Rahna's, 
But give me time, I'll distance. 
Pr. Ah, how futile 

To wing these misty heights ! Come to the tem- 
ple- 
Come daily. We'll convince with arguments 
More subtle than thy own, perfume and light, 
Music and song and matchless choral dance, 
And the thronging presence of all true believers. 
And hushed recital of his martyrdom, 
And the blessed story of his perfect life 
In a brutal generation. 

Al. Yet defects 

May be discerned in even the holy life 
Of martyred Rahna. And though I had failed 
To find these flaws, I still should understand 
Not Rahna perfect, but my own ideals 
Still too inadequate. The wholly perfect, 
Being infinite, is not attainable 



RAHNA'S TRIUMPH 3 

In finite time. 

Pr. O Altheus, what a loss 

To thee and to religion ! Wert thou ours 
Thou wert no layman. Such as thou are ever 
Priests or deniers. 

Al. Yea, I am a priest 

Of these devoted worshippers of truth, 
Few among many, even as royalty 
Is rare upon the earth. 

Pr. Alas, alas ! 

Altheus, thy priesthood in its martyrdom 
Pleadeth with thee for mercy. 
Al. Nay with thee 

Pleadeth it, brother — for thy recognition 
And fellowship ungrudging. 

Pr. Why contract 

Thy own development, cut thyself off 
From human brotherhood, and all the fullness 
Of a social life! The muses wait to crown thee, 
If thou but breathe thy thought in language cur- 
rent 
.Among thy brethren. Why invite thy ruin 
In quarrel over terms? Suppose thy thought 
Be love or purity, then call it Rahn, 
That men may understand thee and receive thee 
As priest and benefactor. 
Al. I'll not lie, 

Though I pine in endless exile. 
Chorus of Old Men. 

More true the common sense; 

Draw thou thy wisdom thence; 

Wiser the general mind. 

Most noble far, most rich 

The life that hath its pitch 

From the concord of mankind. 

Strongest the pulse that leaps 



4 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

Fromi the universal deeps, 

From the heart-throb of the race. 

Deeper the common need ; 

Sweeter the ancient creed ; 

Pure its immortal grace. 
Chorus of Young Men. 

Alone, brave pioneer, alone 

Seek out the nobler thought. 

Seek the wild, pure air of the forest zone, 

With its health undreamed and its grace un- 
known. 

Hold all the conventions for naught. 
II. 
Father. O Altheus, son, hast thou no reverence 
For these gray hairs, that thou rejectest thus 
Thy cradle-teachings? 

Mother. Ah, how nearly spent 

The speeding years ! When thou ere long shak 

stand 
Beside our biers wilt thou with sullen spirit 
Behold the solemn rites, bitterly listen 
To every sacred prayer, and still disloyal 
To our dishonored memory, frown as now 
On the sacred book of Rahn? 
Al. I'll still, as now, 

In reverent sorrow show true loyalty 
By being true, nor ever seek relief, 
In that great loneliness, by violation 
Of my own conscience. 

Mother. Time hath been when sons. 

Even to their own hoar age have cherished still 
The prayers their mothers taught them. 
Al. I must answer 

For my own actions. Pray can you relieve me 
Of this stupendous burden? I revere you 
With unfeigned piety ; and yet, forgive me, 



RAHNA'S TRIUMPH 5 

I pay the deeper awe and reverence 

To my unborn children. 'Tis posterity 

Must nearer limn the imm&nent deity 

In human likeness. Join with me in worship 

Of our common offspring. 

Father. Mother, we outstay 

Our welcome in this world. Let's creep apart 

Into the tomb, and hide us there forever 

From this great sorrow. 

Al. Precious is the truth 

That justifies a sacrifice like this. 

Chorus of Young Men. 

Altheus, our hero, cherish thy free, brave 

thought, 
To life's fresh calendar true. When locks are 

gray 
We can sit at ingle-sides in querulous peace, 
Bewailing the rashness of adventurous youth, 
That seeker of Cynosure; now let us brave in 

our course 
The glacial floods, half ocean and mountain half, 
That threaten us back. Steel-bosomed still let 

us pursue 
The pole of the universe ever receding from 

view. 

Chorus of Old Men. 

True to our fathers ! Did they not believe 

In priestly sovereignty, 

In miracle and charm? Did they receive, 

Granting thereby a license unto us, 

The impious heresy 

Of Gallileo and Copernicus? 

True to our fathers ! and they passed from earth 



6 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

Before the penou 

When nature's wonder, and creation's worth 

Had been so superseded on the stage 

By all the myriad 

Malapert novelties of modern rage. 

True to our fathers ! Did they ever hear. 

In all their histories, 

Of ions darting through the atmosphere, 

And all the other upstarts by the score 

Whose vulgar mysteries 

Cheapen the hallowed sanctities of yore? 

True to our fathers ! And henceforth away 

With this frivolity 

Of innovation, spawn of but a day : 

And with the knowledge be we satisfied, 

Eke with the polity, 

In which our honored fathers lived and died. 

Chorus of Young Men. 

True to your fathers? In their earthly cells? 

Or in immortality, 

Living and growing? Where each father dwells. 

Finds he not nobler wisdom now to teach, 

Whose high reality 

Erewhile transcended his encumbered reach? 

True to your fathers ? Think ye that the mind 

With all its dignity 

In swaddling-bands of death can be confined 

Till it could grow no more, nor wiselier think. 

Nor in benignity 

Let hints of inspiration hither sink? 

True to your fathers? Pray, at seventeen 



RAHNA'S TRIUMPH 7 

Went ye inquiringly 

To seek the light that by your sires was seen 

At your own age? Or did ye rather learn, 

Gladly, aspiringly, 

The fullest truth their manhood could discern ? 

True to your fathers ? Have ye never guessed 

That this audacity 

Of grand, new thoughts astir within the breast 

Is quickened by our fathers, as they yearn 

Through earth-opacity 

To make one ray of heavenlv radiance burn? 

III. 
Betrothed. Altheus, I come to join these sup- 
pliants 
That plead with thee, these lips of reverend age 
That should not be thy suitors. Why alone 
Withstand the wise and good, and hold thyself 
Wiser than all? Why, from thy point of time 
Sneer at the garnered wisdom of thy race 
Through centuries long? If he to whom we 

point thee 
Had ever cherished harsh or narrow thought 
We might less wonder that thy fierce rebellion 
Is thus persistent. No coarse, threatening curse 
Bring we from Rahna's lips to fright thee back 
Into his fold. 

Priest. Whether thou wilt or not, 

We have his gracious promise that our loved 

ones, 
Though straying for a time, shall yet be drawn 
Into his holy bosom. 

Mother. Sometime, son, 

Thou'lt be restored ; but, oh ! we need thee now. 
Father. We need thee in this life. 
Betrothed. O love, I need thee 



8 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

Close at my side whene'er I kneel to Rahn 
For courage in those hours of sacred terror 
When thy dear presence flings its fearful glory 
Around my trembling womanhood. Ah ! Altheus, 
Dost thou reject that saint of chastity 
Almost on the marriage-eve? Methought that 

Altheus, 
Rahn's faithful servant, would, no less than 

Rahn, 
Be priest to her he loved. 

Chorus of Old Men. 

Dwells Rahna with his bride 

A score of stainless years, 

Nor from her side 

Wanders disloyal when her beauty's pride 

Sinking from sight back to her soul's profound 

So disappears. 

Rahna, that saintly breast 

But thrice in decades twain 

Unto him pressed ; 

And thrice the heavenly spheres he dispossessed 

Of lovely human spirits meshed and bound 

In Hymen's chain. 

Chorus of Young Men. 

When shall I meet her and greet her, my bride. 

In her beauty's meek pride, 

In whose presence the stress and the strain, 

In whose presence the passion and pain 

Break like waves on the shore 

In miusic once more 

That lulleth my spirit to rest. 

Not today? It is well, it is best — 



RAHNA'S TRIUMPH 9 

Let the passion and pain, 

Let the stress and the strain, 

Let the tumult and anguish increase; 

All the deeper the ultimate peace, 

If the storm multiply 

Till the waves mountain-high 

Break sublimely at last on the shore. 

Betrothed. Alas ! what sorrow waits 

Our vain-attempted union ! Must I hide me 

Whene'er I say my prayers? And when oui 

children 
Are given to us, must I secretly 
Tell them of Rahn? And wilt thou teach them 

counter 
That Rahna was but man ? 
Altheus. Alas! alas! 

Priest. O, Altheus, be our prince and be our 

priest. 
Make peace with God and man. 

Chorus of Old Men. 

Oh! bend that noble brow 
Unto the sacred chrism. 
Oh ! breathe the holy vow ; 
Escape thy churlish schism ; 
Nor dizzily daring bow 
Henceforth o'er thought's abysm. 

Chorus of Young Men. 
Will Altheus yield? 
Will he be insincere? 
Will he be priest of these? 
Priest will he be of the world? 
My priest no more ? 

Father, O son, for thee we pray. 



io DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

Mother. Ah! to thyself pray I. 
Betrothed. Join thou our prayer. 

Chorus of Worshippers. 

O purifier of the heart, 

Here in our midst today, 

Go with us also when we part ; 

Be with us on the way. 

Let not this hour have been in vain ; 
Let not its glory cease; 
Oh ! let its halo still remain ; 
Let linger still its peace. 

These faces that are now so bright, 
Transfigured from thy throne — 
Oh ! bless them still, let still their light 
Be symbol of thine own. 

Our forms that we have bowed in prayer 
Humbly before thy face, — 
Let them the consecration share, 
Nor lose this moment's grace. 

Our voices that are tremulous 
In thy great presence, Lord, 
Oh! keep them ever sacred thus 
In beautiful accord. 

Yea, make us beautiful and high 

In thought's refining grace ; 

Our human presence dignify; 

Exalt our human face. 
Altheus. Lord, I believe. Help thou mine unbe^ 

lief. 
Chorus of Old Men. 

The noble, soon or late, \ 



RAHNA'S TRIUMPH 1 1 

Seek thus at Raima's shrine 
Their spirits' home. 
Why further proof await 
That Raima's word divine 
From God hath come? 



THE 
LAST JUDGMENT 

/. The Indictment. Patheos, Theos, Chorus of 
Priests. 

Pan. Theos, some urgent suit? 
The. As urgent, father, 

As the summons of a mortal soul by death, 
Which is, indeed, the occasion that hath brought 

me 
To thy supreme tribunal. 

Pan. Now, what spirit 

Upon the threshhold of the life immortal 
Dost thou, O Theos, challenge? 
The. Atheos, 

That soul unbending. 

Pan. Much like eulogy 

The accusation soundeth. What offence 
Maketh thee adversary of this soul 
In the dread transition moment? 
The. Thou dost know 

That to his age and race I am the form 
Wherein men worship thee. This man alone 
Of all his time hath spurned my sovereignty, 
And walked with head unbowed. 
Pan. O venerable, 

In whom mankind have imaged their conception 
Of attributes divine, thou art, indeed, 
The nearest likeness man hath yet attained 
Of my own nature. Ages yet shall pass 
Ere thou shalt lose thy sovereignty, dethroned 
By a loftier ideal. Man hath made thee 
To be the image of his higher self, 
To uplift his lower. If this Atheos 
Hath cast thee off with all thy dignity 

13 



14 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

Of hoar tradition round thee, and elected 

A spiritual solitude — 

The. E'en such, I swear, 

Hath been his violent course. 

Pan. Then let us seek 

Whether he walketh blind, or still discerneth 

Some vestige of the truth. 

The. I undertake 

To prove that he hath utterly betrayed 

The sweet faith of his youth. 

Pan. Then what redress 

Seekest thou at my hands? 

The. Either that now 

Upon his dying couch relenting come 

And due remorse, or else, for justice' sake, 

Some visitation on him in the life 

That fast approaches — some degenerate state 

To brand his treason — some ignoble form 

Of savage or of brute. 

Pan. The great ascent 

Of soul is not so baffled. His promotion 

Cannot be thus repressed. Nor am I, Theos, 

Supreme above him to decide his fate 

With arbitrary fiat. He hath part 

In mty own will. His nature and my laws 

Are of one essence. He himself determines 

The rate of his advancement. Go, invite him 

Before this bar to be his own accuser, 

Judge of his own desert. 

Chorus of Priests. 

O Theos, the eternal, 

Creator of the spheres, 

Theos, supreme, supernal. 

Yield mercy to my fears. 

Thou lookest, and I quiver; 



THE LAST JUDGMENT 15 

Thou frownest, and I die: 
Thou smitest me — forever 
In anguish do I lie. 

Awhile thy will may linger, — 
Then nature's laws prevail ; 
Thou liftest but thy finger, — 
Nature and science fail. 

//. The Summons. Theos, Altheos, Chorus 
of Mourners. 

The. I summon thee before the eternal bar 
To give thy last account. Beseech in haste 
Some priestly intercession, if perchance 
There still be hope of mercy. 
Ath. Pan theos 

Himself doth hold his court within my soul, 
And I partake his life. Through my own con- 
science 
Shall he announce his judgment. I decline 
The intercessor's office. 

The. Think how weak 

Thy little life amid the fearful dangers 
Of this last hour. 

Ath. My little life is mighty 

With the universal being that doth thrill 
Through all my spiritual veins. 
The. How it repents me 

That I must needs accuse thee in thy death 
Amid these piteous gaspings! 
Ath. Fitter time 

Had ne'er been found. My soul beginneth now 
To feel its freedom. While my body struggles 
In this unconscious travail, and the mourners 
Throng round it in suspense, my soul is strong 
To meet the future. 



16 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

The. Come, thou haughty spirit, 

And listen to thy doom. 
Ath. Nay, here I wait 

To meet my accusation. Pantheos here 
Will utter judgment. At my death-bed now 
The inquisition fitly may proceed 
Uninterrupted, and my mourning friends 
Be none the wiser. 
Chorus of Mourners. 

Oh ! must this soul so royal, 

So earnest and so grave, 

So stainless and so loyal, 

So hopeful and so brave, 

Pass from the day 

Without a ray 

Of light divine to guide his perilous way? 

777. The Trial. Theos, Atheos, Chorus of 
Priests. 

Ath. I am ready 

To answer my accuser. 
The. This defendant 

Hath made himself an outlaw by rejecting 
The source divine of law. The worshippers 
Gather devoutly all around the world 
To pay their reverence — in that faithful number 
Atheos ne'er was found. 
Ath. 'Tis man, not God 

Needeth my service. 

The. To that gracious power 

Wherefrom thy being springeth, owest thou not 
Eternal thanks? 

Ath. May I not fitly pay 

Eternal thanks in silence? Hath the divine 
An ear of flesh to hoard in vanity 
Our audible prayers ? Hath it a fleshly eye 



THE LAST JUDGMENT 17 

To gloat on our genuflections? 
The. Yet how meet 

God be well pleased when man is not ashamed 
To confess before his fellows ! 
A th. Who hath shame 

Because of loyalty to human ties 
That he feeleth to be noble? He that blusheth 
To own his faith hath not a faith, but doubteth 
The creed that he recites ; let him seek further 
And supplement his doctrine. I shame not 
At the worship of my soul. 
The. Then why repress 

So coward-like its tongue ? 
Ath. Even so I check 

All public ostentation of my love 
For wife and child — too personal and sacred 
For proclamation. 

The. Yet you make your home 

With wife and child, confessing thus to men 
The depth of your devotion. Why not cherish 
Some little nook within the house of God 
In modest witness of your filial faith? 
Ath. Because within that house 'tis thou thy- 
self 
That men adore, and not the perfect god-head 
That thou dost caricature. 'Twere impious 
To render thee my service, knowing at heart 
That thou art not the noblest. 
The. Hear his words, 

O Pantheos ! Behold what anarchy 
He kindleth now throughout the universe 
With these his lawless thoughts. 
Chorus of Priests. 

Slowly that spirit glideth 

Tnto the presence dread. 

The avenger patient bideth 



18 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

Crouched at the dying head. 

Vain now the vaunt of morals ; 

Useless the pride of thought ; 

Fruitless are now the quarrels 

O'er the is, the can, the ought. *} 

Art falters ; virtue faileth ; 
Wisdom is in the dust ; * 
Nothing henceforth availeth 
But simple, childlike trust. 

IV. The Verdict. Pantheos, Atheos, Chorus 
of Philosophers. 

Pan. Alone, my Atheos, 

We stand together ; through thy lips I speak, — 
Pronounce the verdict. 

Ath. Ever through my lips 

I pray thee speak. I would that I were nobler ; 
I thank thee I am noble as I am. 
I thank thee for this glorious ideal 
That beckons through my life. No longer now 
I worship coldly with my intellect, 
But feel my soul a-thrill with tenderness 
Toward thy infinite life. I worship, worship 
Till scarcely I can keep the precious secret 
Of this divine communion. Yet I'll strive 
To hold my dignity, maintaining sacred 
The privacy of this most tender union 
Of thee and me. More fully enter now 
My vital being. Let some nobler form 
Attest my mastery in another stage 
Of cyclic growth. Yea, make me more and more 
An agent in accomplishing thy will. 
Chorus of Philosophers. 

Another step is taken, 

Another triumph done, 



THE LAST JUDGMENT 19 

Another past forsaken, 
Another future won ; 

The creeds invalidated, 
Virtue again supreme; 
Man's sonship vindicated, 
His godhead not a dream. 



FIVE ACTS OF LOVE 

Prologue. 
Thus may the minstrel, wandering lone and poor, 
With the last silence shadowing his face, 
Pause for a moment at the radiant door 
Where leaneth some rare form of dreamy grace, 
Touch his sad harp with yearning in his eyes, — 
Teach, while she listens in her bright surprise, 
How she should love some happier man than he, 
Nobly and sacredly. 

/. Betrothal. 
Friedrich. 

Brunhilda's God and mine ! 
In this sweet hour of triumph and of joy, 
?rom her face unto thine, 

Love divine, 

1 turn me and the first glad breath employ 
In thanking thee. 

Brunhilda. 

O love, with thee I bow, ; 

CXiietly, kneeling thus beside thee here, 

Love's consecration vow 

Confirming* now 

B) witnessing through praise to God how dear 

THs gift to me. 

Chrus of Spirits. 

Hdy, holy, holy ! Father strong and tender ! 
Ttou art manifested below in human love ; 
Ghdly, gladly turn we from thine unseen 

splendor 
To this radiant likeness of thy grace above. 



21 



22 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

Fr. 

I turn me from the sight 

Of this new, costly glory in her face, 

This tender deluge bright 

Of swift love-light, 

This beauty-throe that thrills a moment space 

At eyes' first kiss. 

M|i|.fc! 

Br. 

Even though forever glide, 

Without the fervent homage of his gaze, 

This moment's acme-tide 

Of beauty's pride, 

The costly mutual sacrifice I praise, 

Meekly submiss. 

Cho. 

Holy, holy, holy! to the Father's altar 
Bring these sacred lovers their priceless offering. 
Holy, holy, holy! angel voices falter 
With the awe and rapture round them as ttey 
sing. 

Fr. j 

O God, our love we bring. 

Richer than all the world's infinity; 

And unto thee our king 

The offering. 

Purely we dedicate and solemnly 

In sacred pricle. 

Br. "*"*■ '". 

O God, thy gift of love, 

The witness of our kinship unto thee, 

Like to a fiery dove 

Sent from above, 



FIVE ACTS OF LOVE 23 

Lowly we now accept, henceforth to be 
In thee affied. 

Cho. 

Holy, holy, holy! hear the Eternal 

Dropping benedictions from out the heavenly 

light. 
Oh! ye are the children of the love supernal, 
Children well-beloved, pleasing in his sight ! 

Fr. 

While yet our curfew-hour 

Of temperate custom shall its warning spare, 

Unto the holier power 

For love's rich dower 

Hold we a^moment's holiday of prayer 

With bended brow. 

Br. 

No other fitting rite 1 

To solemnize the covenant of souls 

Save in our Father's sight, 

While love's own light 

All round about like heavenlv music rolls, 

To breathe our vow. 

Cho. 

Holy, holy, holy ! love of man and woman ! 
Sweetest incense offered before the central Sun ! 
Holy, holy, holy! love divine and human 
Solemnly approaching mingle into one. 

//. Bridal. \ ; r?- 

Each guest, O love, departs ; " - 

A hush of awe stiff useth all the air ; 



24 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

The stars, like trembling hearts, 

Beat with quick starts ; 

A rapturous terror quivereth everywhere 

To suit the time. 

Br. 

The hour, the hour is here, 

And all the heart's glad courage melts away; 

The soul is faint with fear, 

Scarce keeping cheer; 

How can we bear the dread that holdeth sway 

This night sublime? 

Cho. 

Holy, holy, holy! Father strong and tender! 
Thou art manifested below in human love ; 
Gladly, gladly turn we from thy unseen splendor 
To this radiant likeness of thy grace above. 

Fr. 

Love, at this sacred shrine 

'Tis meet we seek the courage to endure 

From love's own source divine. 

Thy God and mine 

Vouchsafe his strength and keep us ever pure. 

As even tonight! 

Br. 

Oh! God's near presence shed 

Its dignity and beauty in a shower! 

And o'er each bended head 

The sainted dead 

Lean tenderly to bless the hallowed hour, 

With faces bright! 



FIVE ACTS OF LOVE 25 

Cho. 

Holy, holy, holy ! to the Father's altar 

Bring these sacred lovers their priceless offering. 

Holy, holy, holy ! angel voices falter 

With the awe and rapture round them as they 

sing. 
Fr. 

O God, this moment seize 
In its ideal mystery and grace; 
And ere like odorous breeze 
It swiftly flees, 

Limn thou a world of moments from its face 
For years to come. 

Br. 

O God of light and truth, 

Let love ne'er lose its luster in our sight ; 

Let not a thought uncouth 

Or word's unruth 

E'er wrong the sacred memory of this night, 

Striking it dumb. 

Cho. 

Holy, holy, holy! hear the Eternal 

Dropping benedictions from out the heavenlv 

light. 
Oh ! ye are the children of the love supernal, 
Children well-beloved, pleasing in his sight! 

Fr. 

O Father, testify. 

By some rich gladness in my darling's breast, 

With love how pure and high 

Thus draw I nigh 

To share the baptism of the awe unguessed 

Around us here. 



26 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

Br. 

God, be witness thou, 

Through some new sense of dignity and pride, 

To him with whom I bow 

How eager now, 

With perfect self-surrender doth his bride 

Trust and revere. 

Cho. 

Holy, holy, holy ! love of man and woman ! 
Sweetest incense offered before the central Sun ! 
Holy, holy, holy! love divine and human 
Solemnly approaching mingle into one! 

777. Parentage. 
Fr. 

Oh, thought of awe and pride! 
And hath the Angel of the Lord in truth, 
God's herald glorified, 
Stood at thy side 

On loftiest embassy that heavenly ruth 
Sendeth to earth? 

Br. 

Oh! join with me in prayer! 

1 feel too little worthy and too weak; 
And he that bade me wear 

Halo so fair 

Alone can give the dignity I seek 

Of lowly worth. 

Cho. 

Holy, holy, holy ! Father strong and tender ! 
Thou art manifested below in human love; 
Gladly, gladly turn we from thy unseen splendor 
To this radiant likeness of thy grace above. 



FIVE ACTS OF LOVE 2? 

Fr. 

Brunhilda's God and mine, 

Grantest thou us this wondrous living dream, 

This miracle divine 

Alone of thine 

That from the first hath never ceased to seem 

Miraculous ? 

Br. 

Were I in yonder cloud, 

And on my brow a starry crown were placed, 

While solemnly I vowed 

With head low-bowed, 

I were not so exalted or so graced 

As even thus. 

Cho. 

Holy, holy, holy! to the Father's altar 
Bring these sacred lovers their priceless offering. 
Holy, holy, holy; angel voices falter 
With the awe and rapture round them as they 
sing. 

Fr. 

O Father, honor her ; 

For she is purer than the ethereal air 

That storms can never stir, 

And sacreder 

Than reverend temples incense-filled from 

prayer 
Breathed by the good. 

Br. 

O Father, thank him thou 

That crowns me with his purifying thought 

To exalt my woman's brow, 



28 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

And richly now 

Invests me with this gift that he hath brought 

Of motherhood. 

Cho. 

Holy, holy, holy! hear the Eternal 

Dropping benedictions from out the heavenly 

light. 
Oh ! ye are the children of the love supernal, 
Children, well-beloved, pleasing in his sight ! 

Fr. 

O God, be thou her guide! 

Preserve her till the trial-time is o'er, 

The pain so dignified 

And full of pride 

And rich in consecration and in store 

Of comfort high. 

Br. 

Lord, thine forever be 

The new life forming now amid my own. 

The life that thou and he 

Have given to me, 

A treasure richer than the glowing zone 

That spans the sky. 

Cho. 

Holy, holy, holy ! love of man and woman ! 
Sweetest incense offered before the central Sun ! 
Holy, holy, holy ! love divine and human 
Solemnly approaching mingle into one. 

IV. The Separation. 
Fr. 
Where hath mv saint now fled 



FIVE ACTS OF LOVE 29 

Into the blackness of unfathomed night, 

Leaving a night more dread 

Where late was shed 

The radiant presence of her beauty-light, 

So soon to fade? 

Br. 

My love, to thee I bend 

Out of the beauty of the eternal Home, 

Whence I can not descend, 

But only lend 

Sweet thoughts of comfort wheresoe'er thou 

roam 
In sorrow-shade. 

Cho. 

Holy, holy, holy! Father strong and tender! 
Thou art manifested below in human love; 
Gladly, gladly turn we from thy unseen splendor 
To this radiant likeness of thy grace above. 

Fr. 

The empty night I greet, 

Nor hear her voice replying from above, 

Whose every bosom-beat 

In music sweet 

Yielded its dear antiphony of love 

Unto my caH. 

Br. 

Into the gloom beneath 

I vainly cry, though once my tones, methought, 

Could ne'er an accent breathe 

And fail to wreathe 

That other voice in unison unsought, 

An eager thrall. 



30 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

Holy, holy, holy ! to the Father's altar 

Bring these sacred lovers their priceless offering. 

Holy, holy, holy! angel voices falter 

With the awe and rapture round them as they 

sing. 
Ft. 

Oh! can she love no more? 
And am I left with desolated heart, 
Where joy and life before 
Love's likeness wore, 

And knew no being from their love apart, 
There clinging fast? 

Br. 

And will his love grow cold, 

Thinking the life he loved hath been destroyed? 

And shall I no more hold 

My throne of old, 

But wandering all forsaken through the void 

Undream the past? 

Cho. 

Holy, holy, holy ! Hear the Eternal 

Dropping benedictions from out the heavenly 

light! 
Oh! ye are the children of the love supernal, 
Children well-beloved, pleasing in his sight! 

Fr. 

I will be pure and true; 

And though I never see again her face 

In all I think and do 

Will I renew 

Devotion to that memory of grace 

And nobleness. 



FIVE ACTS OF LOVE 31 

Br. 

Glow. on, my heart, the same, 

Cherishing him in loyal widowhood, 

True as when first he came 

And gave his name 

To be a crown of beauty and of good 

That still doth bless. 

Cho. 

Holy, holy, holy! love of man and woman! 
Sweetest incense offered before the central Sun! 
Holy, holy, holy ! love divine and human, 
Solemnly approaching, mingle into one. 

V. The Reunion. 
Fr. 

Father, thou dost restore — 
We thank thee for restoring all that life, — 
The sweet rich life of yore, 
So full before, 

Now fuller for the passion and the strife, 
The pain and death. 

Br. 

Father, through thee we greet, 

Breathing our mutual welcome in our prayer; 

For souls can never meet 

Save thou complete 

Thyself that union and thyself do share 

Each tender breath. 

Cho. 

Holy, holy, holy ! Father strong and tender ! 
Thou art manifested below in human love. 
Gladly, gladly turn we from thy unseen splendor 
To this radiant likeness of thy - grace above. 



32 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

Fr. 

Brunhilda's God and mine, 

I thank thee for her wondrous added dower 

Of loveliness divine, — 

The radiant sign 

Of all the marvelous, triumphant power 

Of holiness. 

Br. 

O Lord, 'tis not of me; 

This priceless beauty, all unearned, unsought, 

Came sacred down from thee, 

And it shall be 

Thine angel to ennoble life and thought 

And heal and bless. 

Cho. 

Holy, holy, holy! to the Father's altar 
Bring these sacred lovers their priceless offering, 
Holy, holy, holy! angel voices falter 
With the awe and rapture round them as they 
sing. 

Fr. 

Yet, even thus radiant bright, 

She cannot be more sacred or more dear 

Than when in thy pure sight 

Our troth to plight, 

We knelt together in the holy fear 

Of love's first awe. 

Br. 

My lover's new, rich praise 

Can not obscure the precious memory 

Of his dear, reverent gaze 

In other days, 



FIVE ACTS OF LOVE 33 

When life was no less pure and sully-free 
For sorrow's law. 

Cho. 

Holy, holy, holy! hear the Eternal 

Dropping" benedictions from out the heavenly 

light. 
Oh! ye are the children of the love supernal, 
Children well-beloved, pleasing in his sight ! 

Fr. 

We praise thy holy name; 

We thank thee for delight, for agony. 

For passion's sacred flame, 

Man's mortal frame, 

Investing with its martyr-dignity 

Of depths untold. 

Br. 

We thank thee, thank thee, Lord, 

For beauty and for purity of heart, 

For love's divine accord, 

And love's reward 

Of ever-deepening newer deeps that start 

Out of the old. 

Cho. 

Holy, holy, holy ! love of man and woman ! 
Sweetest incense offered before the central Sun ! 
Holy, holy, holy! love divine and human 
Solemnly approaching mingle into one ! 

Epilogue. 

My love! my love! 'tis her wedding-night; 
And the cottage is ready to burst with light; 



34 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

It is ready to break from the contact of earth 
And float in its nimbus of beauty and mirth. 

My love! my love! she is hidden from sight; 
Her features are lost in their own joy's light, — 
A lucent center whence richly streams 
The sweetness of even her secretest dreams. 

A glorious figure beside her stands. 
A swell of music, a clasp of hands, 
And he, too, is lost in the aureole 
Around them both forever to roll. 

No more will I pace the street in vain ; 
But I leave him now to his priceless gain, 
Leave her to the rapture and tenderness 
Of the victor's love in its first excess. 

All night will I kneel in my chamber dim, 
Praying for her and praying for him ; 
And if ever a sob my utterance break 
Twill be but of gladness for her dear sake. 

My love! my love! Tis her wedding-night, 
And the cottage is ready to burst with light; 
It is ready to break from the contact of earth, 
And float in its nimbus of beauty and mirth. 



LOVES ENCHANT- 
MENT. 

Dramatis personae. — Roderick and Bertha; 
fairies, including Feodore and Feodora; cour- 
tiers, officers and messenger. 

ACT FIRST. 

Scene I. Rural scene. Roderick and Bertha in 
rustic attire. 

Roderick. O, Bertha, since my last heroic song 
I laid aside, that mighty Cham of old 
And all his deeds and wealth, how weary now 
And empty-hearted do I wander forth 
Amid our sylvan scenes! My gentle Muse, 
Give me some theme, suggest some new device, 
Some enginery of plot, that all this wealth 
Of thought-rife feeling may not aimless plunge 
With idle foaming in a cataract 
Of unavailing passion, to subside 
In over-limpid peace, and pass away 
In vagrant pensiveness. Let it as well 
To thought and art contribute. Let henceforth 
Each crystal undulation all transformed 
Flash forth electric splendor. Give some charm, 
Some spoken word whose magic sound hath 

power 
To quicken vague ideas of the mind 
Into full-sinewed thoughts. 
Bertha. And why appeal 

To me for theme, while birds are singing round 
And leaves are fluttering and the blissful brook? 
Suffuse ithe air with rich antiphonies 
Of vernal satisfaction ? 



35 



36 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

Rod. Not for me 

These rural life-outbreathings fill the soul 
Till it overbrim in song. Though deep and rich 
They lie within my heart and give the bulk 
And quality of life, still is there need 
Of ferment from without, some element 
Of new experience, which is not a part 
Of my own fibre. Let the courtier come, 
And the world-worn monarch, and in pastoral 

song 
Find stimulus to thought ; but I must turn 
To courts and camps and deep-thronged thor- 
oughfares, 
Where storm and stress and struggle tempt and 

try 
And strengthen manly virtue. 

Ber. Ah! my poet, 

You should Tiave been a king. How you would 

teach 
By your example what a king should be 
In valor and in manhood! 
Rod. Ha! yourself 

Would make the queenliest queen that ever 

trailed 
The gilded purple. 

Ber. Would that fairies still 

In our prosaic time had life, and power 

To work their mild enchantments. Then how 

soon 
The diadems would clasp our brows about 
And courtiers kneel around us ! 

Rod. Even to-day 

The fairy spirit lives on in the world 
In love and song and beauty ; and this hour 
So deep a rapture thrills my leaping pulse 



LOVE'S ENCHANTMENT 37 

That all the air seems teeming with the magic 
Of merry elfin life. 

Ber. Hath it the power 

To bring the court and camp into our vale 
And furnish you with matter? 
Rod. Yea, methinks 

Almost it hath. 

Ber. Lo ! then a theme's at hand 

To tax your powers. Suppose, sir, that we two 
Were royal monarchs. 
Rod. Sharing one blest throne ? 

Ber. Nay, nay ; but rulers of two rival realms 
In sanguinary conflict. 
Rod. True! methinks 

A man's and maiden's friendship is a sort 
Of gentle warfare. You, my lovely foe, 
Do daily vanquish me. 

Ber. 'Tis a long feud 

Between your sex and mine. 
Rod. Since Eve and Adam 

Encountered first in Eden and their eyes 
Flashed out fierce daring and the sweet defiance 
Of love's excess, the while at every turn 
By tacit understanding failed they not 
To argue counter, in exuberance 
Of tenderness, because caresses failed 
To give their feelings vent. 
Ber. An explanation 

Of family brawls. What comfort would it be 
To a wife' that's beaten ! 
Rod. Hush ! euphemei. 

Ber. Ah ! 

You're breathing mystic words. You feel per- 
chance 
The approaching fairy-spell that draweth nigh 
To aid poetic fancy, and uprear 



38 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

Your lordly palace and your capital 
Here in our lowly dell. Methinks myself 
The air unnatural and weirdly wild 
Suddenly grows. I fear a storm is near. 
Shall we not go? 

Rod. Why, no! the wind's not right 

To bring a storm. And yet the breezes quicken 
And tonic freshness in the atmosphere 
Intoxicates the sense. Let us remain ; 
Each moment now is worth a score of years 
To youth and poesy. 

Scene II. A ring of Fairies gather about, 
dancing and singing. 
Fairies. — 

Ha ! ha ! a goodly pair ! 
Manly youth and maiden fair ! 
Well, well, our plan is weighed ! 
Well, well our trap is laid! 
They shall not escape the snare 
Till a match is made! 
Ber. Oh ! haste we, haste we quick away ! 

How horrid 't is to hear and see ! 
Rod. Ah no! ah no! we'll stay, we'll stay! 

'Tis wine and rapture unto me ! 
Be r. They'll do us harm ; 

I dread some charm. 
Rod. Nonsense, my dear ! why do you fear ? 

Are you not safe while I am near? 
Ber. 'Tis true I have no cause for fear 

So long a time as you are here. 
Fairies. — 

Behold, O youth, the flush 
Of that priceless maiden-blush 
Making an El Dorado of her cheek. 
What! boy, have you not eyes? 



LOVE'S ENCHANTMENT 39 

Do you not see the prize ? 
Why care you any further now to seek ? 
Ber. Oh ! haste we, haste we quick away ! 

How horrid 'tis to hear and see ! , 
Rod. Ah, no ! ah, no ! we'll stay, we'll stay ! 

'Tis wine and rapture unto me ! 
Ber. They'll do us harm! 

I dread some charm. 
Rod. Nonsense, my dear! why do you fear? 

Are you not safe while I am near ? 
Ber. 'Tis true I have no cause for fear 

So long a time as you are here. 

Feodore and Feodora, bearing each a goblet, 
draiv near, the former to Roderick, the latter to 
Bertha. 

Fairies. Drink, oh ! drink the wondrous draught ! 
Never yet hath mortal quaffed 
Beverage rife with joys of life 
So rich and sweet and love-complete. 
Drink ! no more thou'lt know a pain, 
Drink, no more thou'lt seek in vain 
The unuttered good that thou wouldst 

gain, 
When from thy heart in silence start 
The yearnings thou wouldst fain 
In secrecy maintain. 
Voice. Beware! beware! 
Ber. What sound in the air? 
Rod. 'Tis the murmur of trees 

Astir in the breeze. 
Feodore. Drink ! 
Feodora. Drink ! 
Ber. Oh! do not commit thy soul 

To the perilous control 1 

Of the supernatural powers 



40 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

Regnant o'er this flesh of ours. 
Rod. Fear thou not these dwarfish clowns 

With their simpers and their frowns.. 

Each our temporary thrall ; 

Coming docile at our call. 
Voice. Beware! beware! 
Fairies. Ha, ha! ha, ha! Drink, drink! 
Ber. What if we be headlong hurled 

From the order of the world, 

In abysses , fathomless, 

Into blackest hopelessness ? 
Rod. Drink! drink! I'll not care 

So we be together there. 
Feodore. Drink ! 
Feodora. Drink ! 
Ber. Into conflict and confusion; 

All temptation, all defeat; 

All enchantment and illusion; 

Every error and deceit. 
Rod. Whate'er enchantment craze our eyes, 

Howe'er our senses trip, 

Though only phantom-forms arise 

For our companionship, — 

Still magic never can convert 
Ourselves to aught unreal; 
No sorcery can disconcert 
Our spirits' own ideal. 

Virtue and duty, still supreme 
In that fantastic world, 
Will be unshaken by the dream 
Through which the sense is hurled. 

Feodore. Ah ! 

Feodora. Ah ! 

Fairies. Ah — h — h ! 



LOVE'S ENCHANTMENT 41 

Ber. What menacing tones? 

Rod. 'Tis a chattering squirrel. 

Ber. Let us flee from the peril ! 

Rod. From dwarflings and crones? 

Feodore. Ha ! 

Feodora, Ha ! 

Fairies. Ha — a — a ! 

Feodore. Subdue him, subdue him! 

And break his haughty will! 

Feodora. Pursue him, pursue him! 
Do everything but kill! 

Fairy-king. [To Feodore and Feodora.] O imps 
of our band, 
Malevolent twain, 
Take these lovers in hand! 

Feodore. ) 

> And ply them with pain ? 
Feodora. ) 

Fairy-king. Yet release and restore 

When their penance is o'er ; 
Fairies. And let the termination 

Be joy and jubilation. 
Feodore. Ha? 
Feodora. Ha ? 
Fairies. So ! 
Feodore. ") 

> Ah— h— h ! 
Feodora. ) 

Ber. The charms, they begin, — 

The invasion from hell; 

See the shadows that spin, 

We are lost in the spell. 
Rod. We'll meet the ghosts that flit about 

As nobly as we can, 

Sincere and earnest and devout, — 

True woman and true man. 



42 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

And if things seem all strange and weird. 
Uncanny wind and weather, — 
Why need the loneliness be feared? 
We still shall be together. 
Ber. Why, — to confess I do not mind, — 
Your faults are all so venial, 
That your society I find 
Not often uncongenial. 
Fairies.— 

Oh ! the coyness of the youth ! 
Not to see that he hath won ! 
Oh ! for merriment and ruth 
Bid him urge the advantage won ; 
Tell him all that he doth miss 
Till he claim the expectant kiss. 
Ber. Oh! haste we, haste we quick away! 

How horrid 'tis to hear and see! 
Rod. Ah no ! ah no ! we'll stay, we'll stay ! 

'Tis wine and rapture unto me ! 
Ber. They'll do us harm; 
I dread some charm. 
Rod. Nonsense, my dear ! why do you fear ? 

Are you not safe while I am near ? 
Ber. 'Tis true I have no cause for fear 

So long a time as you are here. 
Fairies. Drink ! 
Voice. Beware ! beware ! 
Rod. ) 

\ We'll drink! we'll drink! 
Ber. ) 

They drink. 

ACT SECOND. 

Scene I. Before a royal palace. Roderick as 
king, surrounded by courtiers, including Feodore, 



LOVE'S ENCHANTMENT 43 

Bertha as queen, surrounded by courtiers, includ- 
ing Feodora. 
Rod. Ha! I will flinch not from the utmost 

glory 
Of regal state. Have I not ever said 
To be the kingliest king one hath but need 
To live the manliest man ? If God now will, 
I'll prove my policy. 

Courtiers. My Lord! 

Feodore. Observe — 

Feodore converses apart with Roderick; Feo- 
dora with Bertha. 

Ber. Sir, I approve the lofty sentiment 
Of your late utterance. Were we peasant-bred 
Not born unto the purple, we might still 
With such a guiding principle of life 
Step to a throne with perfect dignity 
And win a people's reverence. 
Rod. Noble queen, 

Your approbation, grateful in my ears, 
Doth bind me to yourself in sympathy 
And mutual respect. Motives so high 
As you and I profess might well, it seems, 
Serve to facilitate a fair adjustment 
Of the grave question whereon our two thrones 
Have been so long at variance, and to-day 
With reference to which you come to us, 
An honored, royal guest. 

Ber. I feel assured 

That both of us, so far as may consist 
With duty to our people, will observe 
A generous policy; and if, perchance, 
We cannot come to terms, fair courtesy 
And kingly chivalry will still redeem 
Our disagreement and convert the rupture 
Into a harmony, till variance 



44 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

Hath its own noble music. 

Rod. Joyously 

My heart responds to kindred sentiments 

Uttered by royal lips. Let us withdraw 

With our advisers to the room prepared 

To hold our consultation. 

Scene II. Evening. Bertha and Feodora. 

Ber. Whene'er he speaks he uttereth some 
thought 
Dear to my soul. Ah ! he is not a stranger ; 
I knew him one time in some other life, 
And now resume acquaintance, 
Feodora. Ah ! who knows 

But in some other state you lived the wife 
Of this superb young king ? 
Ber. How odd a thought ! 

And how absurd ! 

Fe. You blush as helplessly 

As any peasant girl. My gentle queen, 
Upon my knees I beg you to forgive me, 
But you do love the king. 

Ber. And if I do, 

I see no cause why I should disavow it, 
Or blush, except for pride. 
Fe. O lady dear, 

In humble suppliance I beg of you 
A royal boon, — not for myself I beg, 
And not for you, but for that matchless king, 
Who loves you, loves you, lady. 
Ber. How, I pray, 

Know you all this? 

Fe. Ask me not how I know. 

I only know. Speak but the word, fair queen, 
And swift as thought I'll bring him to your side, 
Confirmer of my truth. 



LOVE'S ENCHANTMENT 45 

Ber. Shall sovereigns 

Turn to law-breakers? 

Fe. Why! you make the laws. 

The laws are but your instruments, to use 

Or to neglect. 'Tis but a courtesy, 

A queenly courtesy that you should welcome 

Most royally this noble hero-king. 

Ber. And this were right queen-worthy ? 

Fe. Even your throne 

Were not more queenly. I avouch, fair lady, 

'Tis royal etiquette. 

Ber. Ah ! then, methinks 

I'll fall back on my simple womanhood 

And break the royal custom. Ha! he said 

The kingliest king is but the manliest man. 

That rule applies; and he and I are one 

In that high sentiment. My mother's breast — 

[Feodora croaks. 
What was tnat noise? 

Fe. 'Tis naught. I have a cold. 

Ber. That breast whereon I sobbed my childish 

vows 
Of truth and purity shall teach to me 
The real queenliness. The love of God — 
Feodora croaks. Bertha starts. 
Fe. 'Tis naught ; be not alarmed. 
Ber. The love of God 

Shall teach my human love its quality ; 
And I'll be queen of self. 
Fe. Seest thou yon valley green ? 

Seest thou the sylvan scene? 

Look on the fairy ring. 

Quaff ye both while we sing. 

Dost thou not realize, 

Dost thou not recognize 

This is enchanted ground? 



46 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

When the morn cometh round, 
Nowhere shall then be found 
All the sublime array, 
Passed all away. 

Just for this wondrous while 
Let the deceit beguile : 
'Tis but a blissful dream; 
Things are not what they seem. 
When thou dost wake again 
Back to the life of men 
Thou shalt not bear a trace 
Marring thy maiden-grace ; 
Nothing shall e'er recall 
What doth this eve befall, 
Thou shall salute the light 
Virgin and bright. 

Ber. Was it the king that said, 
Lifting his noble head — 
Someone that once I knew, 
High-souled and pure and true, 
Be it the king or no — 
Fit from his lips to flow : 
"Though in illusion sad, 
Though in enchantment mad, 
Though in wild magic bound, 
Though the world reel around, 
Though none but phantoms rise, 
Greeting our eyes, — 
"Still would be right and wrong; 
Still would be stanch and stronr 

Virtue's exalted thought, 

Duty's eternal ought, * 

Manhood's regality. 

Soul's high reality, 



LOVE'S ENCHANTMENT 47 

God's sweet creation-plan, — 
Woman and man." 

Feodora croaks thrice and disappears in the 
form\ of a frog. 
Ber. Ah, horrid dream! 

Scene III. Evening. Roderick and Feodore. 
Rod. Oh, woman beautiful and good! Oh, 

queen 
Regal and wise! To look upon her face 
Makes me a man. 

Fe. My king, I can but praise 

Your royal judgment. Round the sunlit globe 
Lives not her equal. 

Rod. Whosoe'er shall clasp 

That glorious bosom to his own shall then 
Be utterly a king. Meantime he's still 
A piteous slave. 

Fe. My lord, my royal liege, 

I give you joy, I give you rapturous joy. 
She is your guest; and you may be a king, 
Winning that splendid presence. 
Rod. Desecrate 

That saintly womanhood ? and violate 
Love and my chivalry and all the laws 
Of royal hospitality? 

Fe. Why, sir ! 

Do you forget? or being still but young 
Have you not learned? Others have done you 

wrong, 
Leaving you uninformed. 

Rod. I must confess 

I understand you not. 

Fe. You do not know 

The royal privilege; nor understand 



48 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

Your hospitality is incomplete 

Till you have borne it to the utmost bound 

Of kingly kindness? 

Rod. Do you speak the truth ? 

In heaven's name tell me. You will drive me 

mad, 
Mocking me thus. 

Fe. I speak the simple truth. 

Rod. And is a king so common ; and a queen 
A thing so cheap? And is this lovely woman, 
Even she, perchance, — 

Fe. She never left before 

Her mother's side. She's all that you have 

thought. 
Rod. And shall remain so till the day of doom, 
Or I will hang some royal criminal 
To the topmost dome of his corrupted palace, 
Protesting thus against the prostitution 
Of womanhood and manhood. 

[Feodore caws. 

Whence that sound ? 
Fe. Ah! that? a tame bird in the outer court, 
Kept by a home-sick soldier. 
Rod. Ah, poor man ! 

I'll find him in the morning and attempt 
To comfort him. — What fancies have I harbored. 
Like a poor idiot! Ha! such callow thoughts 
Are folly more than crime. I magnify, 
Like a crude boy, the merest symbolism 
Into the all of love ; an incident, 
A simple incident of love's deep life, 
I take for love itself ; the ritual, 
The splendid ceremonial pageantry 
Of this religion I would substitute 



LOVE'S ENCHANTMENT 49 

For heart's true worship. Now I see the rite 

Becomes an evil, if it be not buried, 

Lost like a rain-drop in the boundless ocean 

Of a whole life-time's tranquil sympathies 

And reverent ministry. I promise Heaven, 

As solemnly as e'er I made response 

To any call of conscience, that henceforth 

I'll hold it the high purpose of my life 

To win her presence and to lure her hither 

To be my sweet home-saint, the dear Madonna 

Here at my fireside altar. In the meantime 

I'll never wrong- her with the revelry 

Of libertine desire; but I'll suppress 

The very thought of passion, till at last 

In her subduing presence, in the glory 

Of her own spirit-face, the fire of passion 

Is sweetened into dignity and calm, 

To be the beauteous handmaid evermore, 

Lowly and modest, reverent and chaste. 

Of God's dear love, new-manifest in hearts 

Of mortal nativity. 

[Feodore caws. 

The bird again ! 

Lugubrious sound! yet, since I understand 

The circumstances, full enough for me 

Of tenderest suggestion. 

Fe. Ha, ha! the potion over-well 
Hath duped our gentle poet! 
Recall that scene of magic spell, — 
The grove, the brook below it ; 
Recall the merry elfin bands, 
The gay, tumultuous singing, 
The dance, the interwoven hands, 
The tinkling laughter ringing. 



50 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

Thou'rt bound beneath a potent charm ; 
These shows are all unreal ; 
They have no substance, nor can harm, — 
All fancied and ideal. 

Seize then these joys that only seem, 
Before the charm's expended ; 
No evil can survive the dream ; 
The occasion soon is ended. 

These pageantries will soon be past ; 
Mere sorcery and magic : 
Why thou, amid the mockery vast, 
So serious and tragic ? 

Rod. So be it. In myself, indeed, 

No phantom thou discernest ; 

But I am real: hence the need 

That I be true and earnest. 
Feodore caws twice and disappears in the forw 
of a' raven. 
Rod. Ah, hateful nightmare! 

Scene IV. Bertha. 

Ber. Alas, alas! I never until now 
Reluctant turned me homeward. Ah! methinks 
I leave my heart's home far behind to-day 
And go to dwell with aliens. Noble king ! 
I feel a dark foreboding that no more 
I am to see his face. What if he knew 
The thoughts unwomanly that yesternight 
Found entrance to my mind ? 

Feodora enters. 

Fe. u O lady, queen, 



LOVE'S ENCHANTMENT 51 

Return, return thou ; yield the point at issue ; 

Preserve the peace and win the princely hand 

That holds thy destiny. 

Ber. Out of my sight, 

Thou dangerous seducer! Ne'er again 

Show me thy face. 

Feodora hisses and disappears in the form of a 
snake. 

Scene V. Roderick. 

Rod. Now she is gone ; my kingdom is a desert, 
And we are more than parted ; for henceforth, 
In duty to our people must we twain 
Become each other's foes. The smoke of war 
Will roll between us and forevermore 
Exclude that starry face — ah ! how it shames 
With its sweet dignity the lawless thoughts 
I entertained last night! 

Feodore enters. 

Fe. My king and chief, 

Why doom yourself to grief? You have the 

power 
To yield that petty principality 
And win your bride. The people for awhile 
May grumble somewhat ; but a splendid wedding 
Will make them hop with joy, till they forget 
Their brief chagrin. 

Rod. Avaunt! ill monster! 

You never yet approached except to tempt 
And to betray me. Hence, and no more come 
Into my presence ! 

Feodore howls and disappears in the form of a 
dog. 



52 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

Rod. What a glorious day 

If we might join our kingdoms into one 
Eradicating those disputed bounds, 
And ending all the feud ! But quite in vain 
The splendid dream. These nations far too long 
Have cherished mutual hate. The love of two, 
Though they be sovereigns, would be impotent 
To join these hostile lands. And yet I swear 
That spite of war and hate I'll love her still, 
And triumph so forever, and defy 
The devil and his angels. 
Voice. Ha, ha ! ha, ha ! a phantasm fine 

Was she in all her splendor! 

Forevermore must thou resign 

This fairy vision tender : 

The mist where melts this dream of thine 

Her form no more doth render. 

Rod. Ha, ha ! ha, ha ! ye fiends of air, 
I hurl you back defiance : 
You and the starry heavens fair 
And history and science 
May all indeed be phantasms rare 
In impish world-alliance ; 

Still she of all the firmament 
Abideth real ever, 
By matter's magic bounds unpent 
Fearless of hate's endeavor, — 
Virtue and life too closely blent 
For any power to sever. 

And she abides : and I abide 
So surely as I love her : 
In virtue's kinship side by side 
We two shall yet discover 



LOVE'S ENCHANTMENT 53 

The glories of that starry pride 
That reverent bends above her. 

Then roll the battle-smoke between 

To hide that radiant vision ; 

Let hate and horror intervene 

And space's vast derision, 

And death congeal with frost-breath keen 

Love's liquid kiss Elysian. 

Still I am hers, and she is mine; 
No distance can defeat me; 
Not clearer could the noon-day shine 
Than doth her beauty greet me, 
Nor nearer doth the breeze incline 
Than hourly she doth meet me : 

For I am hers, a kindred soul 

By virtue's right supernal, 

And mine must be the self-same goal 

As hers whose radiance vernal 

Reveals as in a heavenly scroll 

Mine own the life eternal. 

Voice. Ha, ha! ha, ha! the crazy bard, 
He'll quite evaporate 
And in the aether meteor-scarred 
Seek out his misty mate! 

Rod. The churls! they drive me from thy face 
And think that thus, forsooth, 
They'll keep me from thy beauteous grace, 
And from thy queenly truth. 

Ha ! can they shut me from the flowers, 
And from the song of birds? 



54 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

Through many, many happy hours 
Thou'lt listen to my words. 

The flowers are sister-spirits, dear, 
Whose form thou wilt assume, 
The heart-beat of my song to hear, 
And thank me with perfume. 

Voice. Ha, ha ! ha, ha ! the clouds above, 
A merry harlequin, 
The poet, if he fall in love, 
Will dance and vault and spin ! 

Rod. We'll spend a happy, happy hour, 
All bright and innocent, 
Like sportive fairies in their bower 
Of petaled merriment. 

I'll whisper in the rose's ear, 

The virgin wild-flower bright. 

And make the sweet thing blush to hear. 

And tremble with delight. 

In every flower I'll breathe a joy; 
Thou'lt listen, love, in each : 
'Twill never tire thee, ne'er annoy. 
That airy, rhythmic speech. 

Thy fairy bosom, thy fair throat, 
Will swell as thou dost hear ; 
Thou'lt be so glad, dear, thou wilt float 
In the bright atmosphere. 

Voice. Ha, ha ! ha, ha ! the solemn clown 
Unconscious of his plight! 
Hear comet-laughter showering down 
Hilarious delight. 



LOVE'S ENCHANTMENT 55 

Rod. Yet thou shalt never hear offense, 
Thou'lt never be distressed; 
No shadow of irreverence 
Shall stain thy lover's breast. 

For I'll be brave, dear, yet not bold, 
Brave in my purity ; 
I'll tell, till naught remains untold, 
The love I bear to thee. 

I'll tell my love unfaltering; 
I'll tell it o'er and o'er ; 
With every bird I'll sing and sing; 
With every bird I'll soar. 

Voice. Ha, ha ! ha, ha ! the stars of morn 
Another song will sing ; 
To greet this maniac forlorn 
Uproarious shouts will ring. 

Rod. Yet, eager thus, I'll be subdued, 
Amid a solemn hush ; 
And even in thought I'll not intrude, 
And not profane thy blush. 

Ha! I should blush or blanch like thee, 
If love should be profaned; 
Not more than thou, where'er I be. 
Need I to be restrained. 

A fairy-love do I profess ; 

For fairy-like art thou : 

A flower-like love, to cheer and bless, 

A music-love I vow; 

A sunbeam-love, a Sabbath-love, 



56 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

A prayer-love, dear, is mine, 
A dew-drop love, a star above 
That in a spring doth shine. 

A happy, happy love is ours, 
If thou wilt share it, dear, — 
A sacrament of song and flowers, 
Through the long, happy year. 

Voice. Ha, ha ! ha, ha ! the crazy bard ! 
He'll quite evaporate, 
And in the aether meteor-scarred 
Seek out his misty mate! 

ACT THIRD. 

Scene I. Battlefield. Bertha and officers. 

Ber. In yonder quarter of the hostile line 

I see the king. I recognize him well 

By his noble bearing. Round him is a group 

Of brave and able generals. Aim thither 

Your fiercest fire, my soldiers; we'll not spare 

The world's most precious manhood, when there's 

need 
To do our country service and defend 
Our people's honor. 

Scene II. The same. Roderick and officers. 

Rod. And do they say 

The queen herself has ventured on the field? 

ist Of. She's in the very hottest of the fire, 

With all her bravest captains. 

2nd Of. Yet, my liege, 

Be not concerned ; she's but a woman still, 



LOVE'S ENCHANTMENT 57 

Even though a queen, even though like Joan of 

Arc, 
She mad men's blood in battle and subdue 
The steel of foemen. 

3rd Of. And besides, my lord, 

We've ordered all our heaviest batteries 
Directed thitherward. 

Rod. 'Tis well, my men, 

She's worth alone the whole of these two king- 
doms; 
Yet we'll not slack our duty. — Merciful heaven! 
That shell hath struck our midst! Oh! sacred 

form 
Of God in man, now radiant with health, 
And now thus mangled ! Somewhere is there 

guilt,— 
Where I know not ; kind heaven forgive us all, 
And make us gentler. In my impotence 
I yield this one poor mite of human pity, — 
My ministry of tears. 

Voice. Ha, ha ! ha, ha \ 

'Tis all illusion ; 'tis enchantment all. 
Rod. Alas, my brain ! I know not. This I know : 
Pity is real ; real, suffering love ; 
And mercy's no delusion : I will kneel 
Among these quivering forms and let them hear 
Once more before they die the tender tones 
Of human love. O God in heaven, I pray 
Pity thou me ! Ah ! not for these alone 
Who lie here bleeding, but for me I pray, 
Who suffer with them all the agonies 
Of writhing death. 
Voice. Ha, ha ! ha, ha ! ha, ha ! 
Rod. And if, indeed, my reason is departing 
Under the stress, bear witness that its last 
Spasmodic poor exertion was a throe 



58 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

Of pity-anguish for the suffering 

Of brother-men. So guard the dignity 

Of the poor, tottering fabric. Grant the ruin 

Its own pathetic grace. 

Voice. Ha, ha ! ha, ha ! 

Scene III. — The same. Roderick and officers. 

Messenger enters. 
Mess. O hail ! our sovereign ; glad the news we 

bring ! 
Rod. O God! what news? 
Mess. The queen and all her staff 

Are prisoners. 

Rod. And is the queen unharmed? 

Mess. She's wounded mortally. 
Rod. Tis well ! 'tis well ! 

My people triumph ; and myself, myself 
Am but a single man among our millions, 
Only one man. 
Officers. My lord! 

Rod. My countrymen, 

I loved her. 
Officers. Loved her? 

Rod. Love her, love her, friends. 

Officers. Alas! alas! 

The queen is borne in, accompanied by her 
staff. 

Ber. My dear and noble king ! 

ist Of. You love him, lady? 

Ber. Yea : I love and die. 

ist Of. Methinks 'tis time to lay aside our hate. 

Be we all brothers now. 



LOVE'S ENCHANTMENT 59 

They clasp hands, 
2nd Of. Ah! would befori 

We had been wise as now. 

2>rd Of. A glorious peace 

For both our nations might have been ar- 
ranged, — 
Both victors, and each twice as strong and rich 
As ever heretofore. 

Rod. What ! do you think 

The people would consent to such alliance? 
1st Of. Methinks in truth they might. 
Rod. 'Tis not too late. 

Go forth and seek their pleasure. If, indeed, 
They'll lay aside their feud and love each other 
And let us love each other, then I know 
My queen will live. Wilt thou not live, my queen ? 
Ber. I'll live, I'll live forever! 
Rod. Haste, oh, haste ! 

And learn the people's will. 
1st Of. Nay, nay, my lord, 

We'll answer for the people. 
One of the queen's staff. We in turn 
For the subjects of our queen. 
1st Of. Then these two lands 

Are now betrothed. 

Rod. Oh ! I am weak and helpless ; 

I have no marrow left ; and I could weep 
Like a poor, weary child. 

Ber. Ah! we are both 

Poor, poor, tired children, poor forsaken orphans 
Without a guardian. We are mocked and flouted 
And buffeted around the unloving world, 
The harsh and hate-filled world. 
Rod. My bride and queen, 

Give me thy hand ; 'tis mine for life and death. 
Ber. 'Tis thine for life and life. 



60 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

Scene IV. Roderick. 
Rod. The queen, my queen is sleeping peacefully 
And smiling in her sleep. T»he tide is turned, 
And life swells full. 'Tis love, 'tis love alone 
Recalleth her. I am the instrument, 
Through heaven's dear grace, of her recovery 
And the world's deliverance from this deep be- 
reavement 
That would have darked the sun. I do believe 
Had I not loved her, she had died. Ah me ! 
'Tis like God's own divine prerogative, 
This majesty of heart-power, to be able 
To blast and ruin, yet to choose instead 
To bless and save. These two correlatives 
Can not be separated ; power to help 
Is equal to power to harm ; and rich affection, 
Winning the like affection, if it swerve 
In constancy, doth blight more certainly 
Than murderous hate. 

Voice. Ha, ha ! ha, ha ! ha, ha ! 

The virtuous man, the self-approving man, 
The benefactor with complacent smile, 
With virgin conscience that hath never yet 
Been kissed awake from that long beauty-sleep 
Wherein 'tis still embayed. Ha, ha! ha, ha! 
Rod. O God, shall even the moment of my tri- 
umph, 
The glory of my life, shall it behold 
My reason overthrown? Have not my ways 
Been ever innocent? Why am I mocked 
And hourly thus tormented like a felon 
Reeking with guilt? 
Voice. What of the maiden lowly 
The gentle peasant maid? 
Hath he forgot her wholly 
With whom his childhood played ? 



LOVE'S ENCHANTMENT 61 

Recalls he not the valley 
The greenwood on the hill, 
Where fairy legions rally 
And dance along the rill? 

Her fair cheek smiling, flushing 
Beneath his ardent gaze, 
Like a flame-tide sudden-rushing, 
Lit by the tropic blaze? 

Rod. O God, a bolt from out thy sky 
Could not so surely blast me ; 
The wrath of thine accusing eye 
Less deep in hell would cast me. 

I do recall that beauteous maid, 
Recall those saintly blushes, 
Her drooping eyelids' timid shade, 
The long and rapturous hushes. 

Voice. Oh, fly! oh, fly! thou courier swift 
To that far greenwood valley, 
To that wee cottage in the rift 
Of hills where fairies rally. 

Oh ! fly to her where now she lies, 
The fair child broken-hearted, 
Oh! fly to her where now she dies, 
Fly ere she be departed. 

Oh ! whisper in her dying ear 
Her lover's not untender; 
He'd not provoke the tiniest tear, 
Nor sadden or offend her. 

To bring one tear he never meant, 



62 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

Or make that fair form totter ; 
He could not help the accident 
That thus he quite forgot her. 

Rod. Who biddeth me dream 
Of a heavenly morn ? — 
Impertinent theme! 
I listen with scorn. 

The causer of pain, 
Involved in that woe, 
Shall struggle in vain 
To be rid of its throe. 

Of my victim a part, 
I walk not alone ; 
The wreck of that heart 
Hath ruined my own. 

Voice. Behold the man of worth .immense 
The blameless and the strong, 
The prodigy of innocence 
That never dreamed a wrong. 

Rod-. Though penance and pain 
Bring respiting brief, 
Or a gentler deed gain 
Some moment's relief. 

Can the grave cloud my eyes 
Till no longer I see 
That look of surprise 
At harshness from me? 

Offend but the least 
Of the innocent train, 



LOVE'S ENCHANTMENT 63 

And the mill-stone hath ceased 
To affright or to pain. 

Who biddeth me dream 
Of a heavenly morn? — 
Impertinent theme! 
I listen with scorn. 

Voice. He's not a deceiver : 
He never once said 
To that sweet believer, 
"Soon, soon shall we wed." 

He came not oath-laden, — 
Shrewd man of the world ; 
Yet the eyes of the maiden 
With grief-drops are pearled. 

He's coy in advances : 
He's cautious in sport : 
Can eyes' tender glances 
Be brought into court? 

No promise he proffered ; 
She hath not a claim : 
No love-vow he offered ; 
He's free from all blame : 

Nor made he the blunder 
To tarnish her truth. — 
Too dext'rous in plunder 
For means so uncouth. 

Did he need for his pleasure 
That clumsy device? 
He won the whole treasure 
By method more nice. 



64 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

'Twas her face he o'erpowered 
With glances of flame ; 
'Twas her blush he deflowered 
And sullied with shame. 

From the eyes of the maiden 
He drew forth her soul, 
And faintly, sweet-laden, 
Buzzed away to his hole. 

He did not entwine her 
In lawless embrace; 
With luxury finer 
Despoiled he her face : 

With no less completeness 
He drained her soul dry 
Of its glory and sweetness, 
Its dignity high. 

At a glance's unsealing 
Her passion's rich wine 
Gushes forth till he's reeling" 
With rapture divine. 

With the gaze of a poet 
He drinketh her eyes : 
Not a scath will e'er show it — 
Except that she dies. 

Rod. O locks that whiten into frost! 
O cheeks that bleach to ashes ! 
O aspect like a spirit lost, 
Discerned through sulph'rous flashes ! 

My flesh will wither like a hag's ; 



LOVE'S ENCHANTMENT 65 

My powers will all desert me ; 

My limbs will hang like tattered rags ; 

A frown will disconcert me. 

Voice. Ah ! here's our great divinity, 
One of the world's elite, 
Quite free from all affinity 
With illusion and deceit. 

Even in a world of magic 
He'll be sublimely real, 
Be earnest still and tragic, 
And true to each ideal. 

In all his composition 
No trace of comedy; 
Not any recognition 
Of unreality. 

Ha, ha ! blasphemed he proudly 
The fays' ascendancy, 
Daring to* vaunt so loudly 
His independency. 

But now he seemeth lowly, 
A trifle diffident ; 
He now will tread more slowly, 
With haughty forehead bent. 

Rl I. Oh ! I'll betake me back once more 
To that poor peasant maiden. 
I'll bid her live, and I'll restore 
Her spirit sorrow-laden. 

Voice. He'll leave the queen that he hath sworn 
To cherish and protect; 



66 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

That love that he hath proudly worn 
He'll recklessly reject. 

'Tis not his memory fails him now ; 
Deliberately he'll choose 
To violate that sacred vow, 
That queenly trust abuse. 

Rod. My thought to frenzy hath been turned. 
My pulse to mad distraction ; 
My brain to lava hath been burned ; 
Palsied my every action. 

Voice. Ha, ha ! ha, ha ! one only way, 
O fervid heart-distracter 
To make all right and clear as day, 
And be a benefactor; 

Just wed the ladies both, you know, 
A double bliss to render ; 
Yourself already do you show 
Large-hearted, warm and tender. 

How many others round the world 
Have you so kindly courted ; 
How many other eyes impearled 
With dews not yet reported? 

So much the better. Let each heart 
Be thrilled with rapture gentle. 
Wed all these weeping maids and start 
A harem Oriental. 

Rod. I cannot act or think again, 
Or know the Sabbath quiet, 
Or meet the gaze of brother-men, 
But only rave and riot. 



LOVE'S ENCHANTMENT 67 

Voice. Ha, ha! ha, ha! ha, ha! ha, ha! 
Ha, ha! ha, ha! ha, ha! ha! 

An Officer enters. 
Rod. Oh ! take this crown that I profane 
And give it to some yeoman, 
Some simple brow with ne'er a stain, 
Some eagle eye of Roman, 
Not flniching in this guilty pain 
At glance of friend or foeman. 

Far, far off in a sunny glade 
A beauteous form is lying, 
A gentle and a spotless maid, 
Whose laugh was soft as sighing, 
Whom I have won, whom I betrayed 
And left her slowly dying. 

Of. Thou noble prince whom all revere, 
All pity for thy sorrow, 
Oh! list to me, and strength and cheer 
From out the future borrow; 
This malady will disappear 
Forever on the morrow. 

We all pronounce thee free from guile; 
W T hy wilt thou not believe us? 
Gracious thy welcoming erewhile, 
Once more in warmth receive us. 
We languish for thy generous smile; 
Why must thou longer grieve us ? 

Rod. Alas ! I perish for a sign 
Of human fellow-feeling ; 
But all in vain, all men decline 
To hear my sin's revealing ; 



68 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

And I must bear this guilt of mine 
Without a hope of healing. 

Oh ! I will flee to one within 
That hath a heart more tender ; 
The credence I would die to win 
She'll not refuse to render; 
She'll help me bear my cross of sin 
With courage love shall lend her. 

Scene V. Bertha and Roderick. 
Rod. My own heart's queen, I come to thee 

again, 
Not strong and confident, but now at last, 
As ne'er before, soul-humbled, doubting now 
My own integrity, convinced at last 
My nature is not noble. Drive me forth 
From thine all-hallowed presence, nevermore 
To look upon thy face. 

Ber. My love, my love, 

Thou shalt not thus accuse my noble king. 
Thou'rt ill and needest cheering. Here's my hand. 
Wilt thou not take it? Still thy hand doth hang 
Limp and uneager. Then myself will clasp 
Thy hand in both mine own, and hold it close 
Till with this boundless life within my veins, 
Which thou thyself hast kindled, I succeed 
In warming thee, and so restore to me 
My own high tower of strength on which 

through life 
I'll lean in confidence, and luxury 
Of willing weakness. O my king and hero 
Loved and revered! 
Rod. Alas ! 

Voice. Ha, ha! ha, ha! 



LOVE'S ENCHANTMENT 69 

Rod. My love! my love! in vain, in vain 

I long to draw more near her; 

A numbness comes o'er heart and brain ; 

I cannot see or hear her ; 

My deepening love is deepening pain, 

I shrink away and fear her. 

Oh ! she is farther from my reach 
Than zenith from the nadir; 
Beyond all sight, beyond all speech 
Her angel hath conveyed her — 
Beyond all prayer, though I beseech 
To injure or to aid her. 

Oh ! we are now of different kind ; 

All vain is my devotion. 

She holds my hand. I cannot find 

One lingering glad emotion, 

Though once I struggled rapture-blind 

In passion deep as ocean. 

My guilt hath made the mighty void 
Henceforth to yawn around me; 
My sin forever hath destroyed 
The kinship dear that bound me 
In love and gladness unalloyed, 
And with its glory crowned me. 

Not death or hate, not time or space 

Could so completely sever; 

I gaze on her receding face 

With piteous .endeavor, 

Like Orpheus on that tender grace 

That smiled no more forever. 

Ber. I feel my vital forces fail, 
Since love no more doth flourish. 



70 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

Rod. My love though true doth not avail 
To comfort or to cherish. 

Ber. Thy hand is cold, thy lips are pale ; 
Together must we perish. 

ACT FOURTH. 

Scene. Rural scene again. Roderick and Ber- 
tha, in rustic attire and surrounded by fairies, 
are seated on the ground with closed eyes, Ber- 
tha holding Roderick's hand in both her ozvn. 
They open their eyes. Bertha, with a start, drops 
the hand of Roderick, whereupon he seizes her 
hand. 

Fairies. Ha! ha! the charm's complete; 

Dance we now with flying feet. 

Ne'er shall be our charm undone ; 

Hands are joined and hearts are one. 

Ber. Oh ! haste we, haste we quick away ! 

How horrid 'tis to hear and see! 

Rod. Ah, no ! ah, no ! we'll stay, we'll stay ! 

'Tis wine and rapture unto me! 

Ber. They'll do us harm ; 

I dread some charm. 

Rod. Nonsense, my dear! why do you fear? 

Are you not safe while I am near? 

Ber. 'Tis true I have no cause for fear 

So long a time as you are here. 

Fairies. Ha ! ha ! the maiden coy ! 

Ha ! ha ! the timid boy ! 

They are man and woman now, 

With the flame upon the brow. 

Ah! the jolly, jolly jest! 

Happy, cosy household nest ! 



LOVE'S ENCHANTMENT 71 

Be it full to overflowing 
With the coming and the going 
Of the chubbiest, merriest brood 
That in rivalry e'er wooed 
Of tumultuous tendernesses 
Mother's kisses and caresses. 
Ber. Oh ! the frivolous, rude elves ! 
Will they not betake themselves 
Far, far away? 

Let us hasten from their haunts 
And escape the pranks and taunts 
All, all the day. 

Rod. Then promise first, where'er we be, 
In every wind and weather, 
Although we stay, although we flee, 
We still shall be together. 

Ber. {while the fairies dance and leap in ex- 
travagant glee.) 
Why, to confess I do not mind. 
Your faults are all so venial. 
That your society I find 
Not often uncongenial. 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 

Dramatis Personae. 

Camot, a minister of King Varian. 

Cotaminus, prime-minister and judge. 

Cotamina, daughter of Cotaminus. 

Ena, loved by Nirus and Phinon. 

Melno, a subordinate official. 

Mira, a coquette. 

Nirus, a captain of volunteers. 

Phinon, friend and counterpart of Nirus. 

Reston, a minister of King Varian. 

Varian, king of Talinis. 

Victor, a general in the royal army. 

Miscellaneous : Phinon's mother, a clerk, a 
masked assassin, a workingman, a herald, minis- 
ters, officers, soldiers, senators, nobles, citizens, 
courtiers, friends of Victor, messengers, attend- 
ants, actors, singers. 

ACT FIRST. 

/. Palace of King Varian of Talinis. Cotami- 
nus and Nirus. 

Co. I bid you welcome, Nirus. You are the first 
Of the new captains of our volunteers 
To present yourself. Your punctual patriotism 
Will be remembered. Your physique and face 
Commend the wisdom of your neighbors' choice. 
Ni. I thank you for your kindness. 
Co. Your commission 

Already here awaits you. I expect you 
To win promotion and some modest fame. 
Ni. 'Tis not for fame I don the garb of war, 

73 



74 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

Not fame, but service, helping to protect 
The guiltless people from the punishment 
That not themselves deserve. 
Co. That not themselves? 

An ominous phrase ! Pray tell me how the peas 

ants 
Regard the impending war. 
JVt. I beg your pardon 

For inadvertently intruding thus 
My personal sentiments. I have no right 
To speak for others. 

Co. Give your own opinion : 

Half of a statesman's business is to study 
The views of manly yeomen. 
Ni. Had the foe 

For our offence a fair indemnity 
Honestly sought, nor pressed so ruthless thus 
Upon our weakest moment, while we stand 
Guilty before the world, ne'er would I draw 
The opposing sword. Nations know not remorse ; 
We cannot trust their vengeance ; they exceed 
The bounds of retribution, and thus wrong 
Goes on redoubling. For the people's need 
I draw my sword, and not to vindicate 
A policy of state. 

Co. Ha, ha! your worth, 

You sturdy yeomen, sinew of the land. 
Gives you much license. Serve the people still 
To the profit of the king. An honest man 
Is not without utility, despite 
The divided allegiance. [Exit. 
Ni. Ah ! my native land, 

Would I might feel for thee the fervent zeal, 
The impassioned reverence that blessed me once. 
When first I learned the story of thy youth 
In its fresh dedication. How I thrilled 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 75 

With that new knowledge, reading the dull page 

In epic meter, every line a trope, 

And flame-rhymes wrapping the insipid words 

Of the rude text-book ! Glorious wast thou then, 

A new Athenae. Wilt thou yet, my country, 

Reveal without a flaw thy nobler self, 

And stand a saint of nations? Would indeed 

That a whole nation might be like a man, 

Ennobled fully by some single will 

In consecration high. It might be thus 

With a great man for the king. So might the 

ideal 
Be made one with the real. Forbidden fancy ! 
The quest is vain forever ! None the less, 
I'll fight for thee, my country, as indeed 
Thou wert that land ideal. All thy sins 
I'll turn to virtues. Yea, Madonna-like 
I'll picture thee to fire my chivalry 
To the utmost limit. Then I'll force a wrath 
To nerve my arm ; and if I feel abate 
The martial heat, I'll make a last appeal 
To my own wrongs, my own immortal wrongs. 
Wrought by my brethren, the mere thought of 

which 
Maketh a man a tiger. I'll forget 
My country was the wronger, and transfer 
My vengeance to the enemy. Each foe 
Shall seem the vice incarnate that hath wrought 
Such ruin in my hopes. Rekindle now, 
O passion of revenge, to teach my sword 
The battle-fury. Come, thou devil of hate, 
And do angelic service in maintaining 
The ideal of patriotism. [Exit. 

II. Battle-field. Phinon discovers Nirus 
wounded. 



76 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

Phi. What! 

Slain unaware, come I abstractedly, 

To view again my poor, deserted body, 

Ere I depart forever ? Ah, it stirs ! 

There's still a soul within. 

Ni. Alas, alas! 

Can I be now delirious that your face 

Looks so much like my own? 

Phi. To me, the lone one, 

My God hath sent this blessing of a brother 

To attest his fatherhood. Methinks I feel 

A sudden psychic thrill. [Nirus faints. 

Poor, stricken life, 
I look upon your weakness and your pain 
With pity's rapture. You are now mine own, 
Mine own henceforth, and to me dearer far 
Than all Talinis. Let the battle now 
Take its own course ; to you do I devote 
My loyalty and service. I'll not think 
That you have thus been given me at last 
Only to die in my arms. 

A Soldier enters. 

Will you assist 
To bear this comrade? 

Sol. Ah! you two have met, 

Whose strange resemblance made you both dis- 
tinguished 
Before even this day's glory when in tumult, 
Subsiding now, the laurelled victory 
Has pointed out her heroes, and all eyes 
Seek you and Nirus, thinking each of twain 
Is he that checked the flight and led the charge 
And consummated this immortal triumph 
By the crowning feat of valor. All this day 
He has wrought wonders, foremost of the fight, 
That saves the nation's honor. [In the meantime 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 77 

Nirus has been restored to consciousness. Exe- 
unt, Nirus carried. 

III. Palace. King V avian, Cotaminus, Camot, 
Reston. 

Nirus is bovne in convalescent. 
Va. Noble youth, 

I summon you to give to you such honor 
As you have merited by valiant deeds, 
As well as natural parts. I wish that you, 
Not the degenerate Castux, were my cousin 
And next of kin. If I had not a hope 
To find some royal bride of blood untaint, 
Whose fresh vitality may yet renew 
Our stock effete, and from the ancient root 
Call forth a fruitage of young royalty 
Of the old-time fibre, — if I did not hope 
For such a happy fortune, I would choose 
None other than yourself to be my heir 
And the father of new monarchs. Lowly station 
Should not disqualify you whom I find 
The kingliest youth of all. So much I say 
To show how high an estimate I place 
Upon your merits. Yet no empty praise 
Do I bestow upon you. I confirm 
With more substantial tokens, how sincere 
My commendations are ; for I appoint you 
To a full generalship, with confidence 
That so I raise a mighty bulwark up 
To be my throne's defence, and no less surely 
To be my people's safety. 
A/7. Sir, I thank you. 

To a young heart there is no boon more precious 
Than a hero's approbation. I will strive 
To emulate your own high deeds of valor 
And patriot toil, that you may not regret 



78 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

This day's great honor. In my chair I'll ride 
To the field of carnage, not permitting wounds 
To arrest my service. 
Va. Come within now, Nirus. 

I have a question of diplomacy 
To tax your wit. [Exeunt Varian, and Nirus car- 
ried. 
Res. Must we be suitors now 

To this mere stripling, forced to fawn on him, 
Or lose our master's favor? 
Ca. A mere clown ! 

Fit for a swineherd ! 

Res. He is a goodly lad, 

Worthy to be the shepherd of the king, 
An office he might hold with dignity, 
Winning respect such as we ever give 
To seemliness in place ; but introduced 
Into the palace, to an atmosphere 
So foreign to his habits and his birth, 
His rustic charm will quickly disappear, 
Turning to sheepishness. He is too big, 
And is not graced with ugliness sufficient 
For a court- fool. 

Co. I warn you that this clown 

Has lordly qualities. King Varian 
Is a shrewd diviner, and has reared indeed, 
By this day's policy, a bulwark strong. 
Where some shall dash themselves. 'Twere well 

for us 
To be alert, lest we be all hereafter 
Transformed to shepherds or to fools, and left 
To tune our pipes or heave our jokes alone, 
Superfluous at court. 

IV. Chamber of the Ministers. Cotaminus, 
Camot and Reston. 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 79 

1st Messenger enters. 
j st M. The battle at Menalapa is lost, 
Despite the glorious efforts of young Nirus, 
And all our other heroes. [Exit 
Res. We are ruined ! 

2nd Messenger enters. 
2nd M. The haughty chieftain of the Clerian 

hordes 
Demands a billion francs indemnity, 
And swears that he will never leave the land 
Till all is paid. [Exit. 

3rd Messenger enters, 
yd M. The army is in rout. 

Nirus and Victor now alone remain 
To guard the capital. [Exit. 

4th Messenger enters. 
4th M. The king is raging. 

He swears, whate'er they do, he will not treat, 
Nor indemnify the foe. [Exit. 

$th Messenger enters. 
$th M. The king so raves 

That no one dares approach him. [Exit. 
Co. Let me hasten. [Exit. 

6th Messenger enters. 
6th M. I come from Nirus, begging you post- 
pone 
All proffers of submission ; for he hopes, 
With new recruits now rallying to his summons, 
To retrieve our hopes. [Exit. 
Ca. I would that now Prince Castux 

Might be our king! 

Res. He may be. 

Ca. This is no time 

For common means. The king is surely mad : 
And the country will be prostrate at the feet 
Of Nirus and Cotaminus. 



So DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

Res. What tumult? 

Clerians enter. The ministers escape. 

Song. 
O Cleria, now is thy dignity gained ; 
The crown of maturity graces thy brow ; 
And promise and symmetry newly attained 
Bless the eyes of the nations that look on thee 
now. 

No longer inviting the martyrs' defence, 
Thou art grown to a Titan with temples aflame ; 
The empires of earth are thine to dispense, 
And genius awakes at the sound of thy name. 

Be earnest and steadily scatter thy ray; 
For the stars of thy yearning look soberly down ; 
Hold thy torch up to heaven ; the joy of today 
And the hope of posterity shine in thy crown. 

V. Assembly of the Ministers. Cotaminus, 
Camot, Reston and others. 

ist Messenger enters. 
1st M. I bring appalling news. Our royal liege 
Is just found lately murdered in his bed, 
No trace of the doers. [Exit. 
Co. Oh, my royal liege! 

Ca. Is the king slain? 
Res. The king, the king is slain ! 

Great confusion. 2nd Messenger enters. 
2nd M. I bring most glorious tidings ; Nirus, 

at last, 
Our youthful chief, with new-recruited troops, 
Has overwhelmed the Clerians. Even now 
They are embarking for their voyage home. 

[Exit. 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 81 

Co. How glad were we at this, had other news 

Bat been awhile deferred ! But now, alas ! 

Tidings like this can not even mitigate 

Our greater sorrow. Now the land will mourn, 

And not be glad of triumph. 

Res. And the king 

Lived not to hear it ! 

Co. Yet in his new peace 

He needs not pity's ministry. Behold! 

[To the people, who press forward tumultu- 
ously, addressing them from the door. 
There is a grandeur in a prince's death 
To recompense him for the loss of life, 
And make him enviable. Who would not die 
To be thus mourned by millions? Is not that 
The crowning triumph of an august life, 
Which death alone can bring? We had not 

known 
How great a soul hath lived, but by the void 
Succeeding its departure. Luminous Sun, 
This sudden eclipse shall witness to thy glory, 
To the utmost bounds of earth. Ah ! there's a 

splendor, 
Yea, there's a rapture when a nation mourns, 
Prouder than grief. That pageantry of woe 
In its own gloom exults. . The hero dieth, 
And not in vulgar tears men celebrate 
Bereavement so sublime ; but glorious song 
And eloquence divine swell heavenward, 
Like incense from a thousand altar-flames, 
To make his tomb triumphal. 
Ca. Ah, our hero! 

ist Voice. Our martyred chief! 
2nd Voice. Our sainted king! 

3rd Voice. Our father! 

4th Voice. Peace to his ashes ! 



82 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

$th Voice. Glory to his name ! 

Res. May heaven now speed the princely Cas- 

tux home 
To take his birthright and compose the land 
From all its agitation ! 

VI. Phinoris Home. Phinon and Nirus. 
Phi. Mother is absent. While we wait for her, 
Let us converse. During the recent war, 
To prove your genius, short has been the time, 
And shorter for this wound ; yet that brief time 
Has brought promotion and renown, and won 
The royal smile. 

Ni. The time were vain as brief, 

If there were nothing in it to recall, 
Except what little favor I have won, 
And my still pettier service. More I value, 
And hold more memorable these recent days 
For your new friendship ; you have saved my 

life, 
And still preserve me living with your love. 
Phi. And you have given another life to> me — 
Taught me to think, pure of authority, 
In simple, honest quest of simple truth, 
From all traditions free. 
Ni. Ah, me! indeed, 

Already have I won my laurel crown 
Of a saved soul, to justify my living, 
And compensate for pain ! My dearest friend, 
My other dearer self, in thee I plant, 
With righteous motives, this indignant flame 
Of consecrated wrath — a touch .of the real 
Of hate's vindictiveness to energize 
The ideal of truth and love. Thyself I choose 
To be my minister, because in thee 
Smoulder infernal passions eager to serve 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 83 

Thy lofty intent. May we not utilize 

Fierce instincts in ourselves and in each other 

To further a noble purpose? 

Phi. Comradeship, 

How it firms the heart ! Ah ! Nature surely meant 

That we be twins, ere some untrusty angel 

To different families brought the pattern souls. 

Placing us far asunder, making life 

Cruel with common pangs. But now at last 

Let us correct .that error. Side by side 

We'll celebrate an hourly sacrament 

Of sympathy ideal. As these forms 

Are thus alike, even so must be akin 

The generating spirits. Ah ! what joy 

To have your presence ever here so close 

Like my, own soul projected at my side 

For me to see and touch ! 

Ni. Mine now at last 

A friend, a bosom friend ! I had not hoped 

For such a triumph. 

Phi. Triumph in my friendship? 

I the .unknown, save for a face resembling 

The face of Nirus ! Humbled am I, Nirus, 

Feeling so little worthy. 

Ni. Nay; to me 

You are, the hero, none the less distinguished 

For being still obscure ; and I, being selfish, 

Am happy thus to keep you to myself, 

And jealous lest the world should, find you out, 

And take you from me. Ah ! we twain, methinks, 

Must keep beside each other all our days, 

And re-enforce each other's solitude 

Of life and thought. Is not our task too hard 

To live on nobly when men look askance 

With half-suspicion? Let us feel henceforth 

That though the world may outlaw and despise 



84 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

We still may have each other. Full of peace 
We can remain from the harsh world apart, 
And keep our exiled natures gentle still 
With mutual sympathy. 

Phinon's Mother enters. 
Moth. What ails my eyes 

That I seem to see you double ? 
Ni. One is Phinon ; 

The other Phinon's friend. 
Moth. Most wonderful! 

Phi. And know you quid from quo? 
Moth. None but a mother 

Had e'er distinguished. Is this, then, the friend ? 
Why did you never tell me that this friend 
Was your twin brother? Stay, my other son, 
And dwell with us ; for you are lone as we, 
And we need one another. 
Ni. Gratefully 

Do I accept your welcome. He and I 
Are so near one that we are placed, it seems, 
In separate bodies only for the joy 
Of friendship's dear communion. I must feel 
His mother to be mine. 

ACT SECOND. 
/. Phinon. 
Phi. I shall not stammer now when I reply, 
And feebly meet the glances of my brethren, 
Or feel such isolation. No more now 
Am I so different. I have found my way 
Into the mystic circle, and partake 
Of the universal human unity 
Vital from love. 

Nirus enters. 
Ni. I'm back again, my Phinon. 

Phi. Did you see Ena there? 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 85 

Ni. My dearest friend, 

Though I have found in you my soul's high 

priest, 
In her at last I find its deity. 
Phi. And, having found that deity, dispense 
With priestly ministrations. Friendship's creed 
As soon as this divine has been attained 
Must grow superfluous. 

Ni. Why! are you jealous, 

As if a friendship dear as yours and mine 
Could now.be crowded out? Friendship and love 
Are different entities and coexist 
Like matter and spirit. 

Phi. As matter is to spirit, 

So friendship, too>, to love, — superfluous, 
And yet compatible. Methinks, indeed, 
I can relinquish you as willingly 
As a parent gives his dearest child to one 
More qualified to bless. 
Ni. Ah! you are pale. 

W T hy do you seem to emphasize that you, 
Though trying to avoid it. I recall 
The words you spoke when briefly last we met, 
As you were coming thence ; a recent wealth 
Had filled your bosom ; you would wait for me, 
And tell me all, and seek my sympathy, 
As I now yours. And then again today, 
Thrusting aside my eager salutation, 
You asked of Ena ; but that magic word, 
Meant to be prologue of your tremulous shrift, 
I seized as introduction to my own, 
Forgetting to marvel. 

Phi. The sympathy you sought 

T yield you, Nirus, from a soul sincere 
That love and pain enrich. Were I more strong, 
You had not known at all. I check my dreaming, 



86 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

And sink back in the shadow. 

Ni. Ah! methinks 

I was away from you, or I had known 

That friendship is sufficient. If in truth 

This is your friendship, I renounce my love 

With cheerful heart. 

Phi. Nay ; mine this sacrifice, 

This joy and pain, to see united thus 

The two I love most. 

Ni. We have always yearned 

Toward the self -same objects. Now we love 

One woman, too. Yours is the prior claim ; 

You knew her first ; your soul's maturer, then, 

And worthier of her. 

Phi. Have you not seen of late 

How but a portion of your nature's glory 

Has conquered me? How then with all its 

wealth 
Will you o'erwhelm that spirit sensitive 
And draw her to your bosom ! No other power 
That moveth so an innocent young heart 
As the knowledge sweet of love. 
Ni. Let us both go 

And bid her choose between us, or perchance 
Reject us both. How will she choose? Will love 
For one of us be wise enough to find 
A world of difference in our lineaments? 
Or can she look prophetic to the future 
And see our paths diverge ? 
Phi. And must I find 

That we can take no blessing for ourselves 
Without denying others ? Re this true, 
All life and love are false and valueless. 
Fittingly ended. 

Ni. Come and be my rival 

In wholesome emulation. This dark mood 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 87 

Will only leave you stronger than before. 

Phi. Tis not a mood ; 'tis my own proper state ; 

For happiness is but a quality, 

Not a condition ; and when happiness 

Is in a nature's horologe, joy comes 

In spite of adverse chances. Misery, 

If it be destined to a soul, fails not, 

Though every evil spirit were perverse 

To execute the sentence. Ena now 

Is safe once more. I will not seek again 

To share my curse with her. 

Ni. She is an angel, 

Who, with her tender cherishing, hath power 

To take away that curse. 

Phi. Beyond my reach 

Is converse with the angels ; and although 

I chance to meet them, I am no Israel 

To wrestle with them. Go you in my stead, 

Taking my love to re-enforce your own, 

And give you double right — like some true prince 

In whom two royal dynasties converge, 

Till disloyalty is dumb. [Exit. 

Ni. If I attain 

The peace of this my dream, and win at last 

Her tranquil presence, at her gentle side 

I'll stifle out ambition and resentment, 

And live the life ideal ; and my song 

Shall breathe along the world its music mild 

Of love's poetic joy, with many a burst 

Of love-taught wisdom echoing sublime 

With rich life-revelations. 

77. Ends Home. Ena and Nirus. 
Ena. Nirus, I sent for you to let you know 
That I have found out all. The modest Phinon, 
Though he refused to come and for himself 



88 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

Maintain his suit, has found, indeed, in you, 

A faithful advocate. Your letter reached him 

With its announcement that the heart of Ena, 

Through your diplomacy, had been achieved 

In his behalf. He writes that hitherward 

He straightway comes, his laurels to assume, 

Like a conquering hero. He reveals, moreover, 

What I dreamed not, — the rivalry in love 

'Twixt you and him. Yourself you sacrifice. 

But in so doing canonize your name 

In my memory. If you prize that habitation, 

You will be consoled. 

Ni. Consoled and cheered indeed, 

I thank you for my friend and for myself 

That him you love. I never could be happy, 

Seeing my friend unhappy. And today 

My lot's not pitiable. My love remains, 

And your esteem remains ; and I am rich 

Inestimably in both. All my life long 

I enthrone you in a soul you know devout, 

And pay you my chief worship. Watch my life, 

And if you find it noble you may feel 

That still I love you. Every honor now 

That I attain, you share with me. I go 

To live alone, and yet to live for you, 

As if you were my own. Long have I yearned 

For such a dedication, for an hour 

When some devouter act, pre-eminent 

Among my daily deeds, might close the past 

And separate it from me, make an era 

Wherefrom to date my future. Now has come 

The longed-for era. This my love for you 

Inaugurates the new life in my heart 

And shuts the past all out. Ena, farewell ! 

I need not see you more. I need but feel 

That you are in the universe. That knowledge 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 89 

Will make life worth my living. 

Ena. Will you wait, 

And help me welcome Phinon ? 

Ni. Nay; 'twere better 

I hasten back. I'll meet him on the way, 

Refreshing him upon the tedious road 

With tidings of you. All beatitudes 

Cover you robe-like! [Exit. 

Ena. Bless him ! But my Phinon, 

Oh, Phinon, my dear Phinon, dearest Phinon, 

My sweet-voiced singer with the deep, deep brow 

And sad, sad eyes, so sad, so deep, unlike, 

Unlike all others, let my Phinon come — 

[ can not wait. [Sings. 

Ah ? now I love, and the world is fair, 
And my heart is wondrous pure, 
And music pulses all the air, 
And noble thoughts endure. 

Now beauty is bright, and evil dims, 
And virtue is not rare. 
Be now no song but sacred hymns, 
No speech henceforth but prayer. 

Oh ! be mine eyes uplifted now, 
And my hands crossed on my breast; 
For the wreathed rays are on my brow, 
And the holy robes invest. 

III. Nirus. 
Ni. Losing her, 

I lose my brethren all. How I had hoped, 
Having her in my home to help and teach me, 
That I might learn to live a social life, 
Rejoicing in the love and gratitude 



90 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

Of cheered and strengthened hearts! Her pres- 
ence there 
Would give me courage to endure the terror 
Of human contact ; and her precious beauty 
Would keep me light of heart, and lend my lips 
Vivacious fire; the honor of her love 
Would give a confidence and dignity 
And self-command that ne'er could be conferred 
By rank imperial. I were more than royal, 
If she stood by my side. Alas ! I lose her ; 
And losing her I lose the whole bright world, 
Till an eloquent death regain it, till at last 
Such utterance I may give to finer tones 
Of cultured souls that after my departure 
I shall have part in that society 
Forbidden to me living. [Sings. 

Forth from thy face into the gloom of old, 
Whence late I passed ; 
Into the gloom, into the silence cold, 
The shadows vast. 

Forth from thy face, forth from the sacred 

light, 
The joy and peace; 

Forth from thy holy face into the blight 
That doth not cease. 

Into the dark, but not with darkened soul, 
As late I came; 

Forth from thy face, wearing a gloriole 
Of sacred flame. 

Into the dark, lifting the holy light 

For all to see; 

Forth from thy face to spread the glory bright 

Kindled by thee. 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 91 

Into the dark, bearing my sacred pain, 

A priceless store; 

Forth from thy face, blessing the precious gain 

For evermore. 

Forth from thy face with consecrated heart, 

Flower-pure at last ; 

Forth from thy face forever I depart 

Into the past. 

Phinon enters. 
Ni. Phinon, my friend ! 
Phi. Now, Nirus, do I feel 

My poor life nobled. 

Ni. Ah ! my laureled victor, 

You triumph not o'er me. I, too, am crowned, 
And have a world of thoughts to guard devoutly, 
Wherein she dwelleth. 

Phi. Ah, how zephyr-like 

Her every movement! 

Ni. Scarce surprising were it, 

If she should float among the heavenly clouds, 
Visiting earth no more. 
Phi. If she flies not, 

Tis only that she thinks it dignified 
To walk so queen-like here along the ground, 
Her every motion music. 
Ni. Oh ! she is Joy 

Come down from heaven to earth, afflicted here 
With earthly sorrow, yet continuing 
To be Joy's self. 

Phi. And she is Grace descended 

To be our minister, her beauteous shape 
Bearing but such faint traces of earth's flaw 
As signify a gentle martyrdom, 
Making the grace more sweet. 
Ni. And she is Love, 



92 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

Dwelling amid the hatreds of mankind ; 

Yet, in her pity of men's alienations, 

Becoming Love the more. 

Phi. And Purity, 

Tortured of human passion, and thereby, 

With all the added stimulus of passion, 

Grown more intensely pure. How Ena soothed, 

Even from the first, how quickly soothed in me 

Exhausting passion till it wholly ceased, 

And then surprised me by creating in me 

A new, serener and sublimer passion 

With her its center! I am all at peace 

With the dear thought of her. 

Ni. She gives her peace 

To all that find her presence ; but for Phinon 

Awaits the honor of her hourly blessing. 

Phi. All others must approach her timidly, 

Then go away unglorified ; but I — 

The very sanctuary of her arms 

Will be my daily dwelling. What weird fate, 

What miracle of chance hath brought her hither 

Unto the earth, when myriad worlds around 

W r ere trembling for her presence? Why our 

planet 
Thus chosen out of all ? And why am I 
The chosen of all men ? I stand exalted, 
Conspicuous in the boundless universe 
With this supreme distinction. What an awe 
Will now invest me in the sight of men, 
Coming thus from her presence every morn, 
And every evening going back once more 
To renew my halo! 

Ni. Phinon, my dear friend ! 

Phi. What do I care for coronation days 
Of royal rulers? Or for primal eras 
Of mightiest revolutions? In that hour 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 93 

When we are recreated into one, 

All history's trivial grandeur we shall scorn; 

All other days will be no more remembered, 

All eras be forgotten and ignored 

In that Apocalypse. Ah ! if the world 

Persist unchanged, and sorrow do not pass, 

And sin cease not, then let me die, nor know 

That I have been thus mocked. 

Ni. Phinon, my friend! 

Phi. Oh! I did dream of gazing on my love, 

The rapture of her undiluted presence, 

Her lily presence, on some tropic eve, 

Upon some blessed Sabbath-eve of life, 

The awe and beauty and the sacred wonder, 

And merry-lightsome grace, divinely free, 

From those toil-coverings free that we indue 

To keep our forms refined from boisterous touch 

Of the rude air, free from those snowy clouds 

Some tropic Sabbath-time when in my arms, 

My cherishing arms, she hath no longer need 

Of other protection. 

Ni. Phinon! Phinon! 

Phi. What have I done? What have I said? 

Alas! 
Have I been cruel to my benefactor? 
Have I been mad? Have I been blasphemous? 
Ni. 'Twere blasphemy, indeed, if less than wor- 
ship ! 
Only be moderate, Phinon ; we must guard 
With firm restraint our nature's poesy, 
Lest it absorb us and contract our minds 
To impotence. Has your deep being power, 
Out of our little, common, temporal life, 
To secrete this infinite passion ? Thus you prove 
The infinite in yourself. 
Phi Nirus, I go; 



94 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

I long for Ena's presence. [Exit. 

AH. Farewell, Phinon ! 

I fear for Ena. Oh ! the violent Phinon 

Will never give her peace. Month after month 

The darkling night will gather round her head. 

And I shall not be near. I cannot go 

To learn if she be happy, if her face 

Give evidence of sorrow. If by chance 

I found her weeping, I should have no right 

To offer comfort, none to kiss her hand, 

And let my soul look from my eyes a moment. 

And tell her how I love her, and implore 

That she no longer grieve. I have no hope. 

No hope henceforth, since I can do no good 

To her I love. I feel so deep a need 

To care for her, I cannot understand 

Why she does not need me. My own lone heart 

I pity so that I forget and blend 

With my self-pit)' pity for her, too. 

Although she is so glad, as if our lives 

Made up one tragedy, related close 

In mutual separation. But no more 

Of weak, unmanly plaints ! Why thus expend 

Upon anxiety so frivolous. 

Regret so petty, all my soul's sublime. 

Godlike capacity for pain ? Methinks 

Some great remorse were nobler than a life 

Thus occupied with discontent so vile. 

Why should we let ourselves be throttled thus 

P>y base repinings, when 'twere possible 

Like Titans in a tempest of thunderbolts 

To be consumed? Henceforth, denied forever 

The sweeter private ministries of home, 

With all their lowly peace, I'll serve her still 

In more heroic fashion. She that else 

Had been my tender Psyche, half a child, 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 95 

And saintly-meek beside me, now transformed, 
Grown dread with this great interval, shall tower 
My stern Minerva, beckoning with a threat 
More luring than a smile. Even though denied 
Home and my fatherhood, I'll still not fail 
To win an actual from the formless void 
Of love's vague dreamery. Ah! for her dear 

sake, 
To glorify her name and justify 
Love so ambitious, I will draw all men 
To crown me with their praise ; and all my fame 
Shall be for her, and my renown shall stand 
A thousand years 'mid history's shifting sands, 
A pyramid for her! 

IV. Nirus. 
Ni. Dearest Ena, 

I knew when first I met thee that at last 
My soul had now attained its dignity, 
Achieved its perfect love. The minor peace 
Of lesser presences that one by one 
In growing nobleness have gathered round, 
And blest me for a time, that minor peace 
Just kept me living and preserved my soul 
For this true love that comes in at the close 
And dignifies me perfectly. I chose thee, 
Because thou wast most noble; and today; 
I know I have not lost thee. While I live 
Thou wilt be nearer, realer to me 
As I become more manly; thou art more near, 
More real than the living. Since at last 
I love a spirit, I must henceforth be 
Myself a spirit. 

Phinon passes by singing: 
This doubt mankind have long expressed, 
Amid their troubled, anxious quest 



96 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

Around the world for joy complete, 
If life be glad, if life be sweet. 

Now one can answer — well he knows ; 

When hope is gone, all solace goes; 

So 'tis not life, must be confessed, 

Not life, but hope, 'tis hope is blest. 
Ni. How fares it with my Phinon? I have 

longed 
To give you consolation, and receive 
An answering consolation for myself. 
In vain, you seem to flee me. 
Phi. Yes, my friend, 

I flee you, though I love. Each human face 
Hath in it something maddening. Have you seen 
Brutes, when they die, go off to die alone? 
So human souls in mortal agony 
Forget that they have brethren. Crises come, 
When all is in suspense, our peace, our hope, 
Our life, our virtue, and we cannot guess 
What fate impends ; a change, we know is nigh, 
And wait In terror. Let me go, my friend; 
My restless soul impels me. 
Ni. Go not yet ; 

Wait but a moment; let me give you comfort, 
Or join in your despair. 
Phi. Yes, I will stay, 

And bid farewell, and yield to you once more, 
As hitherto, my soul. Beside a grave 
I have grown thoughtful. Wont were we to say : 
"So long as high thoughts live to bless the world, 
So we perpetuate our earnestness 
In thought and action, what the need to care 
About our consciousness ? Without a doubt 
The future will preserve our loftiest thought; 
Let the rest fade away." But why so sanguine 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 97 

About that conservation? Is the earth 

A treasury safe? Or must our spirit-wealth 

Consume at last in universal flames? 

What winds ethereal to waft the seed 

To other planets, and perpetuate 

Our psychic glories? Goodness hath no rank, 

If it fuse at last in the universal chaos. 

Ni. Phinon, for aught we know, the transient 

earth, 
And all these stars that seem to twinkle once, 
And then go out forever, may yet prove 
To be the busy factories where souls 
From: fleshly molds are shaped and sent away 
To glorify the heavens. Our earth, perhaps, 
A generator of ethereal force, 
Is helping store eternity with life. 
Phi. It might be so, but is not. Every moment 
Derides our frantic efforts to achieve 
The sacredness we long for. What the use 
Of all this culture, and this ornament 
Of thought and sanctity that we bestow 
On these poor bodies? All that gaudy show 
Will moulder in the grave. Why all this cost 
Merely unto our burial? When I think 
Of this end, I am ready to plunge down 
In suicide of soul. How piteously, 
Here in the midst of all our rancid flesh, 
Aping the angels' gestures, we proceed, 
And in the intervals of our gluttonies 
Mumbling the prayer-thoughts that have dropped 

among us 
Out of the heavens ! Oh, hearts are only flesh ! 
What matter be they crushed? Knowledge of 

truth 
Hath never yet been gained, nor joy expressed. 
Nor love, nor grief, except with tools of flesh 



98 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

Ni. What matter, so we live on earnestly, 

So we grow wise, and win our dignity, 

So we but joy and grieve and love and worship, 

And give expression to our great emotions, 

What matter for the means ? Let us be glad 

That nature makes the means so beautiful ; 

And if at times the senses do revolt, 

They soon come back again to their allegiance, 

And serve in reverent faith. W T e can upraise 

Our purest prayers to heaven while we attend 

To nature's lowliest needs ; what but is sacred 

Beside a dying-couch? 

Phi. O Ena, Ena ! 

Ni. Although death follow, yet I mean to live 

A spirit's life, and if I have no soul, 

Then on my only treasure, this frail body, 

Soul's symbol, on the earth soul's deputy, 

So agonized with acting that high part, 

On it I mean to lavish all the wealth 

And all the splendor and imperial pomp 

Of thought and aspiration and high dreams 

And consecrated effort, costly chrism 

Unto the day of my burial. I am glad 

That Ena went thus regally to death. 

Be it so with us. 

Phi. While Ena was alive, 

The earthi was beautiful; but she has gone, 

And all is changed, and even the stars look gross. 

Ni. Ah ! she has lived ; and earth is beautiful, 

Luminous with her presence. In our world, 

Weirdest of planets, where a daily magic 

Transforms dead matter into spirit-life, 

We learn this much of knowledge, we discern 

That matter is spirit, since affinity 

It has with spirit, and combines with spirit 

Sweetly in them we love. 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 99 

Phi. Beauteous Ena! 

Image of Ena, come across my thoughts ; 
Refresh me with thy sweetness, till my mind 
Is full of spring-time buoyancy and beauty. 
I will try, Nirus, henceforth will I try 
To be more pure and dignified. Forgive me 
That 1 have thus intruded on your presence 
The ennui of disease. 

V. Phinon. 
Phi. [Sings. 

Ah, I am not so noble as I thought ! 
Nature in me hath less divinely wrought, 
Or less completely; all hath come to naught 
That eagerly and painfully I sought, 
And deemed achieved, it all hath come to 
naught. 

Nirus enters. 
O Nirus, now is time to say farewell, 
As if death came. I feel myself decline 
To my spirit's dissolution. Only a while, 
A little while, and I shall care no more 
For any noble thing. The evil thoughts 
Already press upon me. Eagerness 
For high achievement passeth ; and henceforth 
Although I see the earth is beautiful, 
How little do I joy! As lief were I 
Twere only a hideous lump. No more I know 
The love of beauty. Daily do I sink 
And grow more careless. Soon shall I be mock- 
ing, 
In dull security, today's alarm, 
Scorning high aims. But now at least, my friend, 
The evil in me is not yet a part 
Of my own nature. While I still resist it, 
And while I still can hold your presence dear, 

Lore. 



ioo DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

I pray you to neglect affairs a little, 

And give your time to me. The leprosy 

Is in my blood ; but not yet need I leave 

To be an outcast and to cry "Unclean" ! 

Till Pity flee in terror. Even now 

A time remains for love. A little time 

The cares of life shall all be thrown aside, 

And all their selfish aims ; now thoughtfulness 

And trifling charities disdained before 

I will perform, nor hoard the moments now, 

So miserly, but give them to my friends, 

And learn to hide the tears, and oftener smile, 

Because the time is short. 

Ni. No, Phinon, no! 

Throw off this fancy ; it will mar your peace 

If harbored thus. 'Tis nothing but a fancy, 

And has no substance. 

Phi. Nirus, do not acts 

Grow out of thought? And thought cannot be 

ruled, 
But masters us, comes on us from without, 
Or from the inner vagueness, where we blend 
With chaos and float backward into mist, 
As a sea-god's body billows back amorphous 
Under the saline flood. When evil thoughts 
Beset me thus, what reason, pray, to hope 
That I possess some proud immunity 
At nature's partial hands ? The misery 
Of sin's subjection would as fitly fall 
On me as any other ; and I sit — 
We all sit passive, waiting for the lot 
That gives us glory or the hell of sin. 
Ni. My friend, your lot already has been 

drawn, 
The happier destiny. 
Phi. But know we not 



EMPIRE OF TALIXIS 101 

That even virtue in this age of matter 

Depends upon material conditions? 

How slight disorganization in the brain 

Availeth to transform the noblest man 

Into a criminal ; a piece of bone 

Pressing upon the brain ; a clot of blood ; 

The tiny birth-germ of a wicked thought 

In parent-minds, latent for many years, 

And then evolving monstrous progeny 

Of deeds incredible ! 

Ni. Ah, the infliction 

Of a great thought to him that Atlas-like 

Bends to that burden ! Phinon, dearest friend ! 

The truth is deadly, and such thoughts as these 

Will craze us both, unless we plunge ourselves 

Into the world of action, and dilute 

This truth with phantasy. The world and we 

Shall neutralize each other. We can force 

These traffickers to think, and they in turn 

Can quench our fiery fancy. Let us seek 

Some milder mania to combat this 

Our present madness. Let us now invoke 

Some wild ambition, choose some vanity, 

And cherish that, and so ourselves delude, 

And keep this fatal fatalism down 

With sane and healthy action. Let us henceforth 

As men of action indirectly think 

Through hand and sense; thoughts do not come 

to such 
In disembodied terror, and so they 
Can still endure. But the man of contemplation, 
Gazing upon the unincarnate thought, 
That very ghost of him which haunts persistent 
His every step, will he not be destroyed, 
Unless in haste he weave some body round it, 
Making the weird ideal tangible 



102 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

With the real of action ? 

Phi. Be not troubled, Nirus, 

By my fantastic dread. In last night's dreams 

It came upon me, and I'm scarcely wakened 

To know how false it is. 'Twill soon be past, 

And I shall be my old self once again. 

Ni. And we can once more take our happy 

walks 
In care-free peace. Ah ! Phinon, we may suffer, 
But shall not perish. We have looked too high, 
And grown too fond of starlight e'er to change 
And gaze on base things. 

Phi. If it prove otherwise, 

And I must have infirmity or sin 
To humble all my hopes, my dearest friend, 
I call you now to witness that I choose 
Virtue and joy, if it is granted me 
To make my own election. I reject 
Sorrow and sin. Not by my own consent 
Shall this choice be reversed. 
Ni. Then he assured 

That it will hold till chaos come again. 
Phi. I cannot be assured. All things are dark, 
Baffling solution. While the pulse is firm. 
And while the body thrills with fullest life, 
The soul, in such alliance confident, 
Feels strong, indeed, and raises boastful prayers, 
Full of high consecration ; but alas ! 
When the stout body falters, and its powers 
Melt away one by one, ah, then how soon 
The haughty spirit yields ! 
Ni. Have we not both 

One watchword to preserve us? When we are 

tried 
And wish for strength ; when we are sad, and 
long 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 103 

To find sweet comfort; when we contemplate 

Some lofty service, and would be inspired 

To adequate endeavor — then this word 

Will consecrate us wholly : "In her presence !" 

Phi. Even that I doubt ; for I am weak, indeed ; 

And Ena's face is fading fast away 

Out of my vision. Scarcely even now 

Can I recall it from the dimness weird 

Of memory's limbo. Vaguely it appears 

To my most frantic conjurations, weak 

To thrill me and preserve. 

Ni. At least there's hope 

Of quenching thought with deeds. Would for 

your sake 
Varian still were living. You had won 
An easy promotion. Now the essay's more hard, 
Yet not beyond effort. Away with rhyming 

henceforth, 
And welcome the world of the real. Come, let us 

plan 
To rise in the realm of affairs. Now better far 
Than that dead lion of vague idealism 
Is the living dog of a real, vital purpose, 
Though it utterly fail! [Exeunt. 

VI. Phinon in bed. 
Phi. Alas! I waken. Once again, alas! 
The light returns, and with suspicious eye 
Peers into our guilty visages, and asks 
What hideous deed we and the night have 

wrought 
Of shame or cruelty. But here awaits 
A still more dread accuser. Ah! too well 
I know this hand. In one respect, at least, 
We two have always differed ; for what eye 
Could not distinguish my chirography 



104 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

From such as this ? Ah ! I scarce dare to touch 

it 
With these my guilty hands. It seems to look 
With sorrow and reproach. — "My brother dear, 
Sad tidings have I heard, scarce credible 
Of one I honored. Is it, is it, indeed — " 
Aha! what's here? Let not the man of pride, 
Even in his secret fancy dare indulge 
In dishabille of morals. There's a hag 
At every keyhole; even the Deity — 
So say divines — is fond of playing spy 
Upon our vices, making them a theme 
Of gossip with his favorites. Which, I wonder, 
Of these inquisitors hath Nirus' ear, 
Omniscience, or some beldame? — "Can it be true 
That such an end is come? And have you thrown 
The treasured nobleness of years away 
Without a pang? Sweet harper, have vou left, 
Forever left the high, angelic choir, 
To' bear a part in hell's charivari?" — 
Yes ; I am guilty, guilty. All the trees 
Are pointing at me, and the whispering leaves 
Are hissing : — How they hate me ! — See him — 

"See, see ; 
Oh, see him shrink from sunshine ! This is he, 
Is he, is he that desecrates our sight, 
That mars with shame our peace and innocence. 
That brings the blights and worms and all the 

pests 
That curse the sacred soil !" — "A life like yours, 
So earnestly and eagerly begun, 
Must not be thus abandoned. You were loved ; 
Be true to Ena. If you be not true, 
Shall I not win her from you? You will los- 
Ml right to hold her in your memory, 
I Jnless you keep that pure. She is most his 






EMPIRE OF TALINIS 105 

Who is most worthy of her." — Yes, the work 

That all my life's good angels wrought upon 

Must be preserved. A woman's sacred love 

Has consecrated me ; the ruined shrine 

Must be restored, — "Oh! I will still be faithful, 

And help you rise even to that dignity 

From which you fell. And when my turn shall 

come, 
You must help me; and let us ever pray 
That both fall not at once. You saved my life; 
I owe you my life's service." — Yes, I will hasten, 
Hasten to Nirus' presence. How I dread 
To see his face ! Such strange companion now 
I have with me, 'twill be embarrassing 
To meet the two together. How I wish 
That I were once more innocent, could move 
With step elastic, and could lift my head 
In the old dignity, and feel again 
The lustre on my face, know the old joy 
To meet old friends ! I would that I could bear 
The dreadful glance of chastity, the prattle 
Of innocent children, and the recollection 
Of her that loved me. Nirus, 'twas thy teachings 
Set me adrift amid the breakers thus 
Without a pilot. Ah, what dumb despair 
Has made me cast away the blessed years, 
And teach myself to sin, protesting thus 
Against the mockery of my aspiration! 
Unable to attain the infinite, 
I scorned all finite worth. "No more," said I, 
"Am I to be deluded. From the sun 
All our extremes are blended. How minute 
The parallax of virtue! Good and bad 
Are homogeneous in the final dust. 
Near ever, they are quite identified 
By the arbiter Death." Indignant threw I off 



106 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

The blessed madness of my youth, and strove 

To be more sane, and live in harmony 

With all this chaos. Now I long, alas ! 

To build my little Cosmos up again 

Here in the void, with sweet flowers blooming 

round, 
Even though they wither and so suddenly 
Shrivel away. Let there be light! My Nirus, 
Nirus, who* freed me from authority 
And its crude morals, now shall teach instead 
His own diviner ethics, till henceforth 
I shall be nobler than before I fell. [Sings. 
O years, I pray you hasten fast, 
And separate me from the past ; 
Bear all my sins so far away, 
That they no more shall darken day. 

Oh ! render so remote their stain 
That its reproach can not remain ; 
Let Lethe's cleansing draught be sure, 
To make even memory sweet and pure. 

Let me be able yet once more 
To breathe the holy words of yore, 
To pray as at my mother's knee, 
Without the fear of blasphemy. 

O years, I pray you hasten fast, 
And separate me from the past ; 
Bear all my sins so far away, 
That they no more shall darken day. 

VII. Phinon. 
Phi. [Sings. 

In vain, dear friends, do ye invite 
To join your holiday delight; 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 107 

For I have sinned ; I cannot stay ; 
I haste forever on my way. 

Dear ones, I know ye love me well, 
And how I love I need not tell ; 
But I have sinned ; day after day, 
Cain-like I roam a castaway. 

O stars, ye offer me release ; 
O brooks, ye beckon me to peace ; 
In vain, in vain, I cannot stay ; 
For I have sinned, I haste away. 

Ah ! Nirus, thou hast felt it. Shall I, too, 
Become at last thus rythmic in my pain? 
Yes, I will write, not for the merry world, 
But for the souls that suffer; a great cry 
Across the flames to them that share my torture, 
From deep despair and bitter penitence, 
And a dim, tremulous hope, and the piety 
Of a too late dedication ; merely a cry 
Of doubt and fear and awful loneliness, 
Fraught with no tearful faith, no meek submis- 
sion, 
But only with the moaning, questioning pain 
Of a stricken brother's heart ; a social voice 
Of fellow-suffering in this infinite 
Symposium of sorrow ; outcries wild 
That cannot be repressed, and yet admit 
Of many a modulation, till the discord 
Fuses in music, till the execrations 
Are softened into prayer. I will not shriek 
With indiscriminate raving ; nothing vile 
Shall make its exit from my guarded lips, 
To lower common men beneath themselves, 
By teaching them more hideous blasphemies 



108 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

From my intenser nature. I will be 

All beautiful to men, however rent 

In my own private bosom. Ah ! that star, 

How radiant and pure! how meek and calm! 

And yet within, what chaos ! flames that shoot 

Through planetary spaces, vapor of rock, 

Frenzy of atoms that grapple promiscuous, 

Disdaining heaven's control, and even thus 

Illuminating earth. Not otherwise 

A soul grows luminous. What chaos here! 

What chemic agitation ! What ennui! 

What sick self-loathing! We can not conceive 

The glory of the aggregate. Within 

All is confusion ; but in face and form 

The fiercely generated radiance 

Will gleam forth to ennoble and to. bless 

The eyes that look upon us. All these thoughts 

That sting and burn and agonize will serve 

To make us scintillate within the sight 

Of them that see us. Who regards the process, 

Cares for the chemistry? We seek results; 

Results alone are real ; processes 

Annul themselves, perpetually destroyed 

Into results. This life must be renewed, 

This radiance replenished ; so cease not 

The generating forces ; still go on 

The mighty ebullitions. Yet those means 

Belong not to the present; they are past 

And primitive, immeasurably remote 

From these resulting glories. All that heat 

Is light to men that see us. What reproach 

In the fierce conflagration ? The vast space 

Will temper it, diffuse it softly forth 

In tranquil glory to all waiting souls 

Within its globe of light. Ah ! when the sun 

Ceases to glow, its rays still journey on 






EMPIRE OF TALINIS 109 

From world to world, weaving an aureole 

For every saintly brow. Forevermore, 

Remoter and remoter pierce those rays, 

Fainter and fainter, yet not ever lost, 

Although that sun hangs icy in the void, 

Oblivious of past heavings. Grandest age 

Of a star's history, when, consumed at last, 

No more material, it still gleams in space 

A sacred spirit world ! Even such a fate 

I pray for for myself. Grand consummation 

Whene'er the man of thought has borne away 

Into the tomb his vanities and sins, 

All his diseases, all his petulance, 

When his decay is done, and even his tomb 

Obliterated, nothing of him left 

Except his noblest thoughts ! Then has he grown 

To be a spirit, then is fit at last 

For apotheosis. Hasten the day 

When I shall be destroyed, all but my thought, 

Freed from all sense-corruption. And that 

thought. 
Oh ! it shall blaze forever ; 'tis my due 
As recompense for pain. When nature blunders 
And makes a piteous monstrosity, 
She undertakes in horror and remorse 
To compensate with some peculiar gift 
That happier men know not. O sire of song, 
Death to the weakling thought ! Now prove thee, 

Phinon, 
A Spartan parent. Strangle the commonplace, 
Ere it look on the light of day. At last, at last 
Our age hath found its voice ! 

VIII. Phinon. 
Phi. Angels and devils, now I bid you all 
To be spectators of a tragedy 



no DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

Without a precedent. This manuscript, 

My soul's expression, the rich condensation 

Of all a deep experience, I commit 

To this devouring flame. How recently — 

Some yesterdays gone — 'twas not ! tomorrow 

again 
It will not be ; today with nerve and sinew 
And virile glory it standeth symmetric, complete, 
Unknown to the world, like a mighty soul that 

passeth 
Through life incognito, silent and self-contained, 
While dwarflings bluster and brawl. No human 

eye 
Shall look upon these pages. I reject 
The mockery of fame, blot out forever 
The glory of my thoughts, which put to shame 
A groveling life. I will not suffer men 
To find me out, and so, when I am dead, 
To gather round and shout into my ear, 
And keep me from repose. Ah ! I do wish 
I were no more, that all whose memory 
Holds any trace of me might pass away ; 
Yea, that the earth my erring feet have trod 
Might be destroyed. Then only could I rest, 
Dreaming a long, unconscious dream of peace. 
Such rest I must await, but even now 
Can stupefy myself and walk benumbed. 
Dazed into partial calm. O passionate thought. 
Bodied in flaming words, I give you now 
A long quietus. Thus myself I slay, 
And plunge back toward the chaos whence I 

came. 
The dagger-thrust will be less violent 
Than this great suicide. 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 1 1 1 

ACT THIRD. 

/. Nirus, Cotaminus. 
Co. Into her dangerous coils 

Daily she draws him closer. Not a hand 
Will you lift in rescue? 

Ni. I'm not yet convinced 

I'd dread such coils myself. 
Co. Shall the earnest Victor 

Be bound to a giddy coquette? 
Ni. Such often prove 

The rarest of wives, when all that energy 
No more runs waste in folly, but, directed 
Into the bosom of one happy man, 
Yields its superfluous floods to multiply 
The volume of his life. 
Co. Then be it so. 

Still deeper the reason that you interfere 
To hinder this advantage of a rival 
Strong enough, even unmated. 
Ni. You advance 

Two counter motives — which sincere? Your 

credit 
For sagacity's now at stake. 
Co. We oft must feel 

Around the truth with words, before we know 
Our own true motive. Now I find the second 
Nearer my heart. Let Victor be augmented 
With this new vital force, — you may retire 
Again to your farm. 

Ni. Truly your foresight's virile 

Far beyond nature; but I fear your conscience 
Has missed its puberty. 

Co. I'm no moral eunuch, 

Without a conscience : I've but mastered that 
With my other passions. You yourself methinks 



ii2 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

Would be a rare success, once gain control 

Of that imperious conscience. Here I worst you, 

Should we he rivals. You have no less foresight 

Than I myself, were not your foresight hampered 

With the incubus of a conscience. 

Ni. Mine the advantage, 

Should we two sit in conclave, and our 

foresights 
Should prove at variance ; for my conscience 

then 
Would double my vote. 
Co. If your wit should prove a 

third, 
I were overwhelmed with odds. 
Ni m Be we allies. 

You re-enforce my judgment, I your conscience, 
We'll make a pair. 

Co. Ah! you're unscrupulous 

Like other men of overweening conscience: 
You outwit my shrewdness, make it serve 

as lackey 
To your ideal ends.— We two together 
May rule some empire yet. [Exeunt, zvith arms 
thrown over each other's shoulders. 

II. Mir a. 
Mi. How can I hope that he will think to love 

me 
If none suggest it to him? and if I — 
If I durst tell him boldly of my love, 
He would still more despise : for he is stern 
Concerning woman's place; he thinks that we 
Should never love, — only let men love us, 
If they chance to think about us. — He prefers 
The words of Nirus to the infinite treasures 
Of a woman's living heart. Alas! what fate 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 113 

Awaiteth Mira? Shall she, meteor-like, 
In Victor's atmosphere be all consumed, 
While Nirus argues on ? or shall she fall 
In Victor's arms and be of him a part? 
Would in those arms I might forever tremble ; 
Yea, tremble in his glorious hero-arms, 
Veined with the sacred blood of royalty, — 
Close-clinging there for refuge from the dread 
Of his own god-like presence. O my love! 

Victor, love, like that celestial star 
Enshrined within the bosom of the lake 
Be thou to me ! I cannot rise to thee ; 

But thou canst drop from thine exalted sphere 
The radiance of thy beauty unto me, 
Adorning me and making me akin 
To the high heavens. — Alas ! these weird 

magicians, 
These burly monsters, how do they enchant us, 
And draw us tremulous to their rugged 

bosoms, 
Although we blanch with terror ! Ah ! ah me ! 
How tender-passionate to them do we come, 
And quivering sink with sobbing earnestness 
Down finally in their terrific arms, 
And passive-eager lie there all our lives ! 
Though they were flame to scorch us into ashes, 
What woman's heart would hesitate? — Poor 

Victor ! 

1 know he's lonely: would he'd find his home 
Here in my loyal bosom, — how much better 
Than arguing with Nirus ! Ha ! who comes ? — 
Cotaminus and Victor! They converse. 

Tis said whene'er men meet among themselves 
They speak of us lightly. Well, we'll see right 

now 
What these chevaliers will say. [Hides herself. 



H4 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

Cotaminas and Victor enter. 
Co. Mere empty show! 

Vic. Yet beauty's the temple where we bow to 

truth, 
And look on the shadow of God. She is a flower, 
To be revered for flawless loveliness, 
Even though the soul be lacking. 
Co. I suppose 

There are some plants for human sustenance; 
And there are others to delight the eye. 
She toileth not and neither doth she spin; 
She speaks no wisdom, is not even good: 
And yet she is a goodly parable, 
Wherewith my friend may teach the vanity 
Of human duty and nobility 
That toils in pain to elevate mankind, 
And has no time for flirting. One would think 
That Nirus had injected in your ears 
His moral aesthetics. 

Vic. Though she seems to lack 

The higher qualities, her loveliness 
Serves her instead, and wakes in all beholders 
Feelings devout with which herself, perchance, 
May ne'er have been familiar. Would, indeed, 
That honor might be kept for nobler women, — 
For women such as earnest men can wed 
And hold in perfect reverence. If mere pleasure, 
If empty pleasure wear such peerless beauty, 
How duty, truth and love should be arrayed 
In radiance celestial ! 

Co. Is it not strange 

That she is able to continue thus 
In constant affectation, never caught 
A moment off her guard? Were she to sleep, 
And talk in dreams, I wonder if she then 
Would use her natural tones. 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 115 

Vic. She has more faults 

Than other women ; yet she has as well 

More qualities than they. I've found the traces 

Of even a soul: I've watched within her eyes, 

At intervals in gayety and folly, 

A heaven-reminding light that seemed to seek 

Its proper place upon her countenance ; 

Yet ruthlessly she thrust that light aside, 

As if ashamed lest men should be reminded 

Of the spirit 'neath her flesh. How long, alas ! 

How long will that sweet angel still return 

To be insulted thus ? Will it not leave, 

And be content to find a lowlier home 

And a more gracious welcome ? — Ah ! to win 

The deep and unfeigned love of such a woman 

Such love as glistens in religious tears, 

And makes all vanity and all coquetry 

Drop mask-like from the long disfigured nature, 

Till it stands forth undisguised, simple as a 

flower. 
Humble with adoration, tremulous 
With drooping diffidence, — Ah ! such a hope 
Might lure adventure. 

Co. Will our Samson woo 

This modern scissors-wielder? 
Vic. Fear me not. 

I were contented with a humbler triumph, — 
To bring her for her own ennoblement 
To that sweet agitation at the thought 
Of God and duty, — finding thus at last 
Her woman's soul alive and sensitive, 
Even as her heart, no less accessible. 
Co. My friend, you are inspired. Continue still 
While in the spirit. Tell what you would say 
Were she now here before you. 
Vic. I would say: 



n6 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

"There is a reason why thou shouldst not be 

Earnest as others, — seeing not this face, 

Only its dulled reflection. We behold 

Day after day, augmenting in our souls 

The glory of thy presence, by the virtue 

Of thine own perfect gifts surpassing thee 

In inner qualities." 

Co. Most subtly reasoned ! 

Shrewd is the diagnosis. Now in turn 

Prescribe the remedy. If she were here, 

What treatment would you order? 

Vic. I would bid her 

Select some quiet hour when shines the sun 

And beams upon her with its fullest light, 

That she may but a little nearer know 

How she would shine if shadows of the earth 

Did not conceal, detracting from her beauty, 

Just as the mirror must detract again, 

Unwillingly remiss, whose sweet religion 

Is but to reproduce her loveliness, 

Giving it back to make her lovelier still 

With such a precious vision, — pure-faced glass, 

Her beauties' armature, renewing them 

With their own inspiration. I would say: 

"Choose such an hour to find out what thou art, 

Searching the lines of that neglected face, — 

Neglected surely, since unheeded so — 

And find an oracle for thee, at once 

Prophecy and command ; and gazing thus, 

See thou if thou canst solve the mystery 

That makes thee sometimes yearn up at the sky 

So eagerly, as if thou wouldst behold 

Through some bright opening left by falling 

stars. 
Yield to that weird and solemn wonderment, 
Looking awhile upon no earthly sight, 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 117 

But only on that fragment of sweet heaven, 
Given to inspire thee. Learn but perfectly 
That thou art beautiful, and on that day 
This lowly earth will gain a sacredness, 

beauteous Mira, to translate us all." 

[Mira is discovered. 
Mi. I have another folly to confess, — 
Not to repent ; for profit has resulted 
That justifies the risk: here in the vines 

1 hid myself with curiosity 

To hear what you would say when by yourselves, 
And under no constraint. The benefit 
That I receive may serve me for excuse. 
Vic. Pardon me, Mira, that familiar freedom 
With which I spoke. Who but is passing bold 
'Mid hypothetic terrors, till at last 
The majestical reality encountered 
Sets him to stammering thus? Can you remem- 
ber 
Aught I have said that did not do you honor? 
Mi. What I have heard has made me under- 
stand 
That you have honored me more worthily 
Than I myself. I did not know before 
The earnestness of men, or I had tried 
To be deserving of their reverence 
And elevated friendship. Time I've lost ; 
But even yet will I become your equal, 
Rival perchance. Farewell ! my friends. I go 
To say my prayers. Hereafter I'll be good, 
Be very good, and yet be merry, too. [Exit. 
Co. It may be true that you have found at once 
Both heart and soul in Mira; yet you see 
She does not droop or tremble. If at last 
She does adore, she is not greatly humble. 
If vanity depart, and all coquetry, 



u8 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

And native truth become her sole adornment, 

She will stand erect, and her unwavering eyes 

Will triumph o'er you. 

Vic. Yes, when she attains 

Her destined dignity, she will not be 

A quavering pilgrim doing penances, 

But an archangel, strong as beautiful, 

Glad in the health of perfect spiritual life. 

[Exit Cotaminus. 
What do I wish for thee? — the rack of torture, 
A couch of flame beside the dying Lord, 
So great an anguish as to drive away 
All desecrating laughters, and to clear 
Thy purer forehead, — cloudless firmament 
Of intellectual womanhood. O pain, 
Come thou to her and give thy ministries 
To make her earnest ; come such agonies 
As sweep away all lighter qualities, 
And leave alone the inherent majesty, 
To make of her a spirit, burning up 
All but her womanhood. 

Mir a re-enters. 
Mi. Victor, my friend, 

You thought me trivial : was such languor, then, 
About my vanities that you supposed them 
To be but emptiness? Whate'er I seemed, — 
Trivial, doubtless, did you not discern, 
From all the tenseness even in my folly, 
That I was animated by emotions 
Deep enough to be worthy of a soul? 
Your eyes have been as far from seeing me 
As from beholding yonder distant star, 
Which quivers on its flame-rack, yet appears, 
Seen so remote, to dance the hours away, 
An unsubstantial ignis-fatuus 
Amid the waste of cloud. 






EMPIRE OF TALINIS 119 

Vic. Tis, true, indeed ; 

I should have known that such a countenance, 

So full of beauty and expressiveness, 

Was molded in the flarnes. And yet I wish 

That I might see a little of the terror, 

Not kept so distant from your truest self, 

That all your grandeur dims to pettiness, 

Lost in incredible space. Mira, my friend, 

Be oftener, then, sublime as even to-night. 

In earnestness like this. 

Mi. Ah ! hence it is 

That I am overwhelmed whene'er we meet, 

And you unmoved. You assume no veiling 

cloud 
Of mockery and jesting gayety 
To hide your nature, but sincere you stand, 
Without disguise, to overawe the world. 
I would that I could disentangle me 
From such investments, and appear to you 
As you to me. — Alas, alas ! I fear 
I betray myself. 

Vic. Ah ; I prefer, indeed 

The old disguises. Nay, my sister dear, 
My soul is full of honoring chivalry, 
And full of understanding, too. I know 
The power of deep emotion. I revere 
Weakness as well as strength ; and I will make 
A shrine within my memory for this day, 
And cherish it with reverent sympathy. 
Have not a fear but you can trust your honor 
Within my presence or upon my lips 
Or in my daily memory. I am sure 
Your guardian angel had not left you thus, 
Had it not been that chancing here with me, 
You had no need of her protecting care. 



120 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

Mi. You are not more startled, Victor, by my 

rashness 
Than I myself. Yet even my shame is tempered 
With a sacred pride. I know that I have erred, 
And uninvited tried to crowd myself 
Within the sanctuary ; yet I swear 
Mine was true worship, not a profanation. 
Vic. Mira, farewell ; I honor you the more 
For this day's revelation : you have proved 
Your nature's earnestness. 
Mi. I thank thee, Victor. [Exit. 

Vic. Why should I, too, not love, and have my 

life 
Rendered profound in that religion? Why 
Should not my brow, too, wear the aureole? 
If other men have dared accept that crown, 
Why should not I? Am I not worthy, too? 
We never find a rank above our worth ; 
Wherever we are placed, howe'er exalted, 
We feel ourselves at ease, — we wear the purple 
Like true-born princes. I will not now shrink 
From this permitted glory. 

Nirus enters. 

Tell me, Nirus, 
Would I show my folly, if I sought the hand 
Of Mira, the coquette? 

Ni. 'Tis said all lovers 

Must needs betray their follies. 
Vic. But I meant 

Would I show mine in the seeking? 
Ni. You will show 

Somebody's folly in the seeking not 
Of a hand so peerless. 

Vic. Nirus, you're the adviser 

I long have sought, anticipating thus 
My own decision. 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 121 

///. Victor and Mira. 
Mi. Ah! Victor, can I ever extricate me 
From this habitual levity? So long 
I have affected it that scarcely now 
I could keep it from my prayers. Even yes- 
terday, 
While your reproaches rankled in my bosom, 
The humor took me, and my words were turned 
To mockery of my feelings. I came back 
Resolute not to nerve myself again 
With aught of jesting. But the truth I found 
Too great for lips to utter; and thus came 
An act undignified. — Oh ! you shall see 
That I can fix my gaze as loftily 
As you yourself do. — But is this the way 
For recent penitence? Should eyes be red, 
Hands wrung, and garments rent ? I am a child, 
A naughty child, and right away forget 
That I am in disgrace. 

Vic. Like Phaethon 

Have you wrecked some planet, that you seek in 

vain 
An adequate penance? — Even as dreams of love 
That gladden weary years — 
Mi. A perilous theme 

For priestly lips to venture. 
Vic. Like bright love-hopes 

Should be our upward yearnings, — solace and joy 
And prophecy divine, needing no aid 
Of austere conscience. 

Mi. Gentle monitor, 

And therefore potent! If my soul's now saved 
Let us go back and join the social games. 
Vic. Wait, Mira ! feel you not the night around, 
In its solemn beauty? This is a spirit world 
Whose soul appears projected to our eyes, 



122 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

As when a maiden smiles. Is not this hour 

A proper birth-time for our mutual love, — 

For our two- souls to start those tender hymnings 

That ever grow more sweetly passionate, 

Until at last they burst in symphonies 

Of marriage-rapture? Let this hour not pass 

Until consummate with the utterance 

Of our hearts' unsounded deeps. Mira, my 

love! 
Mi. What! my confessor, makes he love to 

Mira, 
To mock his sacred calling? 
Vic. Doth Mira still 

Continue mocking, mocking her own heart's 

glory? 
Mocking my love? Making a jest of me? 
Then I must leave ; for I am serious, 
And brook no levity. — The stars of heaven, 
The stars are earnest : I'll commune with 

them. [Exit. 
Mi. O, Victor, Victor ! Victor, pray return ; 
Leave me not thus. 

Victor re-enters. 
Vic. Did Mira call? 

Mi. If Victor 

Kindly will now repeat his recent words, 
Mira will strive to hear attentively 
And give them serious answer. 
Vic. I am sorry 

Your memory fails you ; for my own, indeed. 
Is no less treacherous. What, pray, have T 

spoken 
Worthy of repetition? 

Mi. Mocks Victor, too? 

If he can not be lured, then, to repeat 
Those eloquent words, I must remain content 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 123 

With the glad memory. Not one syllable 
Shall elude my hoarding. I will count them 

over, 
Miser-like, word by word ; or if, perchance, 
I become good, I'll whisper them like prayers, 
As I tell my beads. 

Vic. Ah ! Mira, we will live 

For beauty only. Not a sight or sound 
Or thought unlovely will we e'er permit 
To intrude upon our peace. 

Mi. And side by side 

We'll blend our breath with breath of flowers, 

the light 
Of our glad, radiant eyes with the pure beams 
Of all these ministering orbs. 
Vic. Will Mira then, 

Be Victor's life-companion? 
Mi. What long years 

I waited this! 

Vic. And why so silently? 

When one of two finds out their common fate, 
Methinks that one should prove a faithful 

prophet. 
And make it known. 

Mi. A change of politics ! 

Vic. And make it known. Ah ! then we had 

been spared 
This waste of years. No accident, my love, 
Hath brought us thus together. We were meant 
From time's beginning for this day's embrace. 
And far apart, on either hand of God, 
Within this dual universe were shapened 
Symmetric with each other, as one hand 
Is formed to clasp its fellow. [Offers to embrace 

Mira, who motions him back. 
Mi. Touch me not 



124 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

Vic. Why tease me thus ? Dearest, I choose but 

thee 
From all the world. What though I have not 

seen 
All women on the earth? Not many souls 
I have met here, yet feel I none the less 
I chose thee out of all ; for at the first 
Did I not choose this age ? and why that choice 
But that thou livedst then? Did I not choose 
From all the universe this little earth, 
Where thou wast newly-born? Why did I 

choose 
This kingdom and this village? Why, indeed, 
Save that thou drew'st me hither and I longed 
To be with thee ? I waited one more summons ; 
Why wast thou silent? 

Mi. Yesterday I spoke: 

You sent me forth in shame, with cheek of flame, 
Whipped from your presence. 
Vic. 'Tis my own turn, Mira, 

To feel the red shame mounting to my brow ; 
I chose, you know, to be deliberate. 
I'm coy no more. 

Mi. Stand back, sir: I prefer 

The old disguises. — Victor, do not blush ; 
My soul is chivalrous, and I revere 
Weakness as well as strength. I scorn you not, 
But keep a shrine in memory for this day 
Forevermore. Your honor's safe with me : 
I'll take your guardian angel's place awhile, 
Till his vacation's over. 
Vic. Mira, Mira, 

I cannot bear your laughter. Will you drive me 
Forever from your presence? 
Mi. Who, I wonder, 

Will be the benefactor, — you or I, 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 125 

When our cHeeks touch each other ? 

Vic. I care not 

To approach you nearer. 

Mi. Ah ! who started first ? 

Vic. Now, now, we're conquered both — your 

presence gives me 
Utter simplicity, till I could romp 
With boyish glee, or play at childish games 
Without the loss of dignity. The world 
Has been reduced from painful complications, 
Till all is homogeneous. All things now 
Seem right at last. I have no preference, 
No care to make selection of my words 
Or of my actions. Whatsoe'er comes first 
Appears the best. The commonplace is rife 
With all transcendant meanings. Every word 
Is of the spirit. Though things vain we utter, 
They still convey, like tongues of Pentecost, 
Significance ethereal. 

Mi. I loved first ; 

I was the first to tell you of my love. 
My love is not a secondary passion 
Casting its faint reflection. To your ardor 
I yield not passively a heart inert, 
But bound to meet you, equal in the tryst, 
No less aggressive. 

Vic. Every rapturous breath 

Shows more your depth and power, daughter 

true 
Of this dear earth, and therefore truer child 
Of the universe and God ; co-ordinate, 
Coeval with creation. 

Mi. I am earth's child, — 

"Of the earth, earthy." 

Vic. , Earth is beautiful 

And I am glad to live here. 



126 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

Mi. Isn't this better 

Than talking with Nirus till in sympathy 

E'en the jaws of the donkeys ached? 

Vic. I only sought 

His soul's salvation. 

Mi. Yet in vain you sought it, 

Haply at your soul's peril. 

Cotaminus enters; offers to withdraw. 

Ha! the judge! 
Co. Victor, the Gorgons are not terribler 
Than are the Graces. We, your friends, knew 

not 
Your deadly peril, but have chatted on, 
The while this fairy charmed. I seek you two 
On behalf of our friends. I know 'tis wearisome 
To endure the vainness of society, 
Its tedious jestings and its compliments, 
Its stealthy kisses in dark entrances, 
And all the ambiguous levities of speeech 
That foolish lovers deem sufficient quite 
To conceal the courtship. If you stole away 
Wishing to shun such cloying spectacles, 
I do not blame you ; but we have at last 
Some better entertainment, which I know 
You would not like to miss. I came to find 

you, 
Thinking that I must seek you separately ; 
But luckily you happen now to meet 
As I arrive. How fortunate for me 
That I should reach you ere you pass each 

other, — 
Finding thus two as one! If you can bear 
Each other's and our company awhile, 
Let me entreat you come; especially 
* s our fair merry- Andrew, I perceive, 
Has lately been in tears. 'Tis probable 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 127 

That she has launched a jest at Victor's pate, 

And failed to make him smile. 

Mi. Cotaminus, 

The grave, the stern, — can even he relax 

And stoop to jesting? Such a contradiction 

Put in a book would drive the critics frantic, 

And ruin the author. Victor presently 

Will undertake a pun. And yet, good sir, 

Your very mirth is grim ; 'tis vinegar, 

Not wine. You are not highly qualified 

To wear the motlev. You would shake vour 

bells 
Too fiercely far to please. — Still there are lives 
Grave as your own that are grim jokes through- 
out 
For devils' laughter : kings that raise themselves 
From coronation-day solemnities. 
And then betray their country ; priests whose 

brows, 
Pressed by the miter, have acquired their 

wrinkles 
Chiefly by plotting mischief : worshipers 
That in the closet bend a reverent knee 
To him that sees in secret, and again 
A knee as reverent publicly to Mammon ; 
Bridegrooms that wear a serious countenance 
Upon the wedding-eve, yet all their lives 
Are wholly virgin from the sanctities 
Enveloping true love. A sober face 
That hides a heart unconsecrate, — that face 
Is nature's bitterest jest. Tis better far 
To be the zany with a human heart 
And treasury of tears. I would not act 
The solemn ape, and am not bold enough 
To hope to wear such earnest countenance 
As Michael or Victor. 



128 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

Co. Do you wish 

To return with me? 

Mi. Indeed I much prefer 

To stay alone with Victor and escape 

You and the rest. 

Vic. Come Mira ! 

Mi. Yes, we'll go : 

We can be together often when intruders 

Are barred by lock and key. 

Co. Mira, I fear 

You will cease now to love society. 

Mi. I hate it not, and I shall love it still 

If I can find it henceforth what I hope, 

A theater of action for the heart's 

And for the spirit's powers. Yet solitude 

Renews the force society exhausts, 

And makes us trulier social. Hence, you see. 

To fit our spirits for society 

We need much solitude. Cotaminus, 

You know 'tis but the silence of man's thought 

That turns all wheels. Action can only place 

And execute whatever thought contrives. 

Society distributes what is wrought 

In lonely meditation. Hitherto 

My contributions to the social store 

Have been but childish trinkets. In the future 

I think that I shall give less frequently. 

But give more earnestly ; I will toil now 

Through lonely days to render worthier 

My contributions. 

Co. If our friends but knew 

What a missionary now is drawing near, 

How it would set them gasping! Fairest lady, 

What has excited so your gentle brain, 

To render it thus active? Certainly 

Some memorable occurrence that avails 






EMPIRE OF TALINIS 129 

To start you thinking! 

Mi. Yes, the novel sight 

Of blindfold Justice suddenly transformed 
To a prying gossip. 

Nirus and Singers enter. 
Co. Our entertainers deign, 

Meeting us, to economize our quest. 
Some of his recent songs has Nirus promised, 
Kept virgin for our ears. 
Ni. Mira and Victor! 

Well-met, indeed ! 

Co. Who'll solve the mystery 

Why Mira here and Victor, she no soldier , 
He no coquette, should find themselves at last 
Congenial thus ? 

Mi. And may one ne'er admire 

Gifts differing from one's own ? How else should 

Nirus, 
Not being himself a villain, yet revere 
Another's roguery, as appeareth well 
In some of his friendships? 
Ni. Mira, though no soldier 

Can deal terrific blows. Let's all cry truce 
Before some other innocent bystander 
Receives a broken head. 

Song. 

Choose well your friends ; 

Be circumspect ; 

Menacing that e'er impends, 

Misery that never ends 

Must ensue, if you neglect 

Warning thus direct. 

Choose well your friends. 

Choose well your friends ; 
Be wary, pray ; 



i30 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

Who unfittingly commends, 
When his wealth of love he lends, 
When he binds himself for aye, 
Hurls all hope away. 
Choose well your friends. 

Choose well your friends ; 

Use all your arts ; 

If the king misapprehends 

Whate'er tokens nature sends 

For detecting human hearts, 

Empire departs. 

Cfioose well your friends. 

Choose well your friend, 
When love you seek ; 
Ruin surely will attend, 
Heaven itself can ill defend 
From the viper coiling meek 
Close against your cheek. 
Choose well your friend. 

Watch well your friend ; 
He'll soon conspire, 
Thwarting every noble end, 
Till the good that you intend. 
And the virtue you desire 
Turn out mischief dire. 
Watch well your friend. 

Watch well your friend ; 
He seeks your death, 
Ever plotting how to send 
Misery you cannot mend, 
Sucking out your sleeping breath, 
Thus he tarrieth. 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 131 

Watch well your friend. 
Co. Which of us, Victor, 

Think you the poet hits ? 
Mi. Ill-omened song! 

And not like Nirus. 

Nu You are a sorceress, 

And soon detect me. 'Twas Cotaminus 
Gave the idea, and desired the song 
For his own pleasure ; since Cotaminus, 
With all his reverend soberness, must cherish 
One harmless affectation, fondly nursing 
A mild misanthropy, which only adds 
Vivacity desirable in one 
Else over-solemn, — one friend, by the way, 
Not to be watched. 

Mi. Not for his beauty, surely. — 

But Nirus, no more raven-croaking, pray, 
To mar our mirth. Give us a better song, 
After your heart — and mine. 
Co. Heart-unison ! 

How flattering to Nirus! 
Mi. And to you, 

Having, perchance, my admiration doubled 
With Nirus's. 
Ni. What song is set down next ? 

1st Singer. O'er One That Repenteth. 
Co. Capital, indeed! 

Since Mira is a penitent today. 
Mi. For wasting time on tumbling harlequins 
So long without a protest. 

Song. 

Ah! if they ever drive away 

Each friend that loveth thee, 

Thou'lt keep no friend beyond a day, 

Bereft continually. 



132 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

Hearts cannot choose but love thee, dear ; 

For thou art worthiest; 

If they be noble, 'twill appear 

A duty manifest. 

Reproach upon my conscience weighed, 

Meeting thy spirit-eye, 

So long a time as I delayed 

That consecration high ; 

And then when I began to love, 
And made my final choice, 
Ah ! there was joy in heaven above, 
One rapturous, ringing voice. 

Mi. Sing a song now 

To make us weep. 

Ni. I cannot make you weep; 

I'll make you sigh. 

Co. These ladies can yield you tears, 

At trifling cost. Some weep as the prince takes 

snuff 
For the titillation ; others half dissolve 
O'er a cat's romance, to excuse the recurring 

flood 
That springs from their own flirtations. 
Mi. Others outvie 

Niagara or the geysers from pure mirth 
O'er No-longer-young's herculean attempts 
At social vivacity. 

Song. 
Ah ! art thou sorry ? dost thou pity, dear, 
That I must suffer thus for thy sweet sake? 
Nay, pity not, my friend ; withhold thy tear. 
Let us rejoice, although my heart do break. 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 133 

Know that I would not give this suffering 
For all the treasures of the Indian store ; 
It maketh me, my love, to be a king, 
Sitting among the martyr-souls of yore. 

One only treasure, dear, did once suffice 
To buy from me one moment of my grief, 
The tender beaming of thy pitying eyes, 
When thee I passed, and caught that solace brief. 

Each moment hath from thee a blessing sure ; 
Within thy presence holy peace doth reign ; 
And in thy absence no less sweet and pure 
Cometh the chastening of this holy pain. 

Co. O listen to counsel, Nirus, 

And try to utilize your fine ideals 

By printing a book to swell your bank-account. 

Few realize ideals ; many a bright one 

Has realized upon them. That I call 

The ideal made practical. 

IV. Victor. Mira enters. 
Mi. Why come you off here, Victor, by your- 
self, 
And sit thus gloomy? Only one short hour, 
And, I shall be your wife! Is it not a dream? 
Vic. Mira, 'tis real ! Heaven help us ! Life 
Grows too stupendous. I am more and more 
Involved in life, until I shrink away 
In dread and in despafr. Earth and the grave, 
And duty and the Judgment-day. O God, 
Prepare us for them ! 

Mi. Why has love been given, 

Except to make life's terror bearable 
With that sweet presence? Victor, recently 



134 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

I have been eavesdropper to clandestine sighs 

That widow Mira. Is this love, indeed, 

So ineffective ? 

Vic. Oh! love's not a joy; 

Love is a light to guide us on our way, 

The same way as before; a sacredness 

To dignify our natural disposition, 

And make our gladness or our sadness sweeter ; 

A melody that mingles with our lives 

To make them rhythmic. And we both must 
find 

It may accompany the woefulest notes 

That Nature's finger e'er hath learned to sound. 

I am content that now the harmony 

Is sweeping through me. Life henceforth for 
me 

Will never be discordant. Henceforth, dear, 

The hymning cannot cease. 

Nirus, Cotaminus and Friends enter. 

Co. You're solemner 

Than one bereft. 

Vic. Ah! I am not the man 

For such occasions. Some one else, I fear, 

Should be here in my stead. 

2nd Friend. Ungracious youth ! 

He'll always be a bachelor, though blessed 

With as many wives as a Mormon. 

Ni. [to Victor.] We understand, 

And honor your earnest nature. Wait we, friends. 

Upon their leisure. [Exit, accompanied by sev- 
eral. 

Mi. I like your melancholy. 

I would not have you love me merrily. 

Our gayety and pensiveness combined 

Will fuse into a common mood for both 

Of cheerful gravity. My gentle friends, 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 135 

I beg your patience. Soon we will return, 

And be more sociable. 

Co. I ne'er from choice 

Intrude on family brawls. 

Mi. Lest you interrupt them, 

And thwart your mission. 

Co. Farewell ! and my good wishes 

Remain with you to season your arguments ! 

Mi. Let mine accompany you, nor ever linger 

This side the Antipodes. [Exeunt all but Mira 

and Victor. 

In other ages, 
In far-off worlds, shall we not still recall 
With grateful memory this little earth 
Where we have grown acquainted, and this 

grove, 
And the cool spring, our earliest trysting-place, 
When first we found out that our future lives 
Should be together? Ah! no place so sweet, 
But thought of these will sweeten it the more ; 
No beauty that our spirits shall attain 
Can dull the memory of the eager light 
That glistened in each other's fervent eyes 
Here on the earth, where we are in the body, 
Each in a separate cell — yet even thus 
Cannot be kept asunder. I am sure 
That we shall not forget our lowly earth, 
Nor ever lose each other. I believe 
That lovers are to spend eternity 
Within each other's arms. 
Vic. I cannot think 

About eternity. Even time suffices 
To make me stagger. Ah ! it seems today 
That I can care for common work no more. 
I wish no other occupation henceforth 
But converse with thee, Mira. 



136 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

Mi. Pray, think not 

You'll grow effeminate now. The blood of kings 
Circulates in your veins. Never before 
You labored so ambitiously as now, 
With me to urge. We'll have our holiday 
To mark this era ; then our work begins, 
But work together thai shall seem like play. 
Together as we bend o'er noble books 
In high communion, studies most abstruse 
Will then abound in charms. The studious 

frown 
Will alternate in variation rich 
With looks of love, our faces to refine 
With that experience deep. I'll not intrude ; 
But if thou turn away thine eyes from me. 
To look upon the heavens, mine own eyes, too, 
Shall gaze wherever thou dost indicate, 
Ceasing to watch thee. Be thou studious, 
In sympathy unfailing will I join thee, 
Even to indifference of thy very presence, 
As simply as a child that ne'er hath known 
The sweet pain and the madness of dear love. 
Vic. How noble, Mira, shall I be henceforth. 
Having thy life-long presence to exalt me ! 
Mi. And I — I have no character ; I wait — 
Some women do — for love to give me form. 
In sacred passion at thy feet I lie, 
Amorphous, neither good nor bad, all void. 
Until thy spirit move upon the deep, 
And rearrange my atoms. Such a one lies 
A bright, insipid shape, till man appears 
To vitalize her life, and day by day 
To mould her yielding substance in his arms 
To his own semblance. Now am I to be 
No longer void of attributes ; henceforth 
Profound and thoughtful, animate at last 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 137 

With living breath of thy dear lips, I stand 
No more a thing of vanity and folly. 

V. Mira and Cotamina. 
Co. Thou hast attained the fullness of thy life, 
High now above my level. Methinks already 
Thou art transformed, subdued and lowly now 
With thy burden of joy. Oh ! open but thy lips, 
And some sweet song of love will surely flow 
To soothe my heart's unrest. Lay but thy hand, 
Fresh from the altar's light, on my wreathless 

brow, 
And let me feel that virtue. Tell thy thoughts, 
Thy new divine emotions. Let me feel, 
In sympathy with thee, what otherwise 
Must be from me withheld. Ah ! Mira, dear, 
The woman unto whom no vows are paid, 
Who lives alone unworshipped, like a Madonna 
Kept from her empery of intercession, 
Dwelling apart unrevcrenced — is she not 
Forsaken quite? 

Mi. Nay, spirits honor her 

That men neglect. Angels of heaven descend 
And gather round, exchanging ministries 
With that deserted woman, till no more 
She cares for men's devotion. 
Co. Ah ! the angels 

Are not mv comrades. Merely the crumbs that 

'fall 
From your human feast will satisfy my hunger 
Far more than their ambrosia. Tell me, Mira. 
The wonders of thy state. 
Mi. What can I say 

In common language of a life like this 
Transcending speech divine? You can but wait 
And learn it in the brightening of my eyes, 



138 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

And in my deepening nature. We can tell 

Single events and details : can we speak 

Life's very self? Have I not left behind 

My fragmentary life, the broken life, 

Which days and seasons interrupt, and things 

Intrude upon and mar? My life at length 

Has grown a unity; and single things 

Have lost all meaning, are completely fused 

In their divine significance. My life 

Has now combined its separate hues in one, 

And radiates henceforth in perfect white. 

How can I tell you ; time for me has ceased ; 

And who can speak eternity? 

Co. Ah, Mira! 

You are blessed in Victor's love. 

Mi. How kind in Victor 

To care for me, this pensioner on his love. 

This poor, new-rescued waif of vanity! 

Co. Now shall I tell you what my father said 

About you, Mira? 

Mi. I have already heard 

Some bitter words that he saw fit to utter. 

Co. You were misinformed ; he honors you. 

Even I 
Dreamed not that you possessed such qualities 
As he attributes to you. He told mother 
That Mira's genius does not rank beneath 
Victor's himself ; that all which Victor lacked 
To render him a rival formidable 
Among the candidates for power and fame 
He had attained in Mira. A Nirus comes 
But once in centuries, born self-complete. 
Fitted for all attainment. Many a Nirus 
Ts born and dies before a Victor rises. 
Thus fortunate to consummate himself 
With such miraculous marriage, gaining a force 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 139 

Beyond one soul's achieving. Nirus evinces 

The natural union stable and inert, 

Whose elements in Victor free and active, 

Incessantly combining with the strength 

Of chemic passion, will impel his being 

Sublimely with that glorious energy 

To all attainment. Unto Mira then 

Victor must look for all his future greatness. 

Mi. Such words from none could gratify me 

more 
Than from Cotaminus. 

Co. And yet he added 

That you yourself were of all womankind 
Most incomplete ; and only as a part 
Of Victor's life could your life ever gain 
Sobriety or worth. You owed to Victor 
Far more than he to you. 
Mi. Why this, my friend, 

This very qualification of the praise, 
Renders the praise more welcome, placing thus 
Victor so far above me, and besides 
Quite reconciling this excessive praise 
With certain harsher words. 

ACT FOURTH. 

/. Nirus and an Officer. 
Ni. I've set the torch at last. The righteous 

flame 
Is kindled round the world, not to abate 
Till the throne's ablaze. Our tyrant Castux seeks 
To win the co-operation of our silence 
By leaving unmolested all our doubts, 
While torturing the peasants. 'Twas from us 
Their doubts had origin. We strewed the seeds 
Of such a deadly growth. Let us not now 



HO DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

Leave to their fate our lowly proselytes, 

Though there were none but you and me alone 

To join in the fierce defiance. Let us two 

Protest and die protesting. 

Of. Others, sir, 

In your position love the people less, 

.And willingly permit the savage rites, 

If but themselves may have immunity 

And their old luxurious ease. 

Ni. A messenger ! 

Messenger enters. 
Mes. Good news, at last ! but in a bloody garb, 
As good news ever comes in time of war ; 
A priest, the mortal enemy of Mons, 
Made prophecy in hearing of the king 
That Mons would yet dethrone the sovereign 
And bring about his death. The king forthwith 
Brought Mons to death on charge of heresy ; 
And now the nobles rise to join the people. 
Ni. This is most welcome news. In time of war 
Such news must be so greeted. 
Of. Likely then 

The prophecy will be ere long fulfilled. 
Ni. But how, I wonder, could the credulous 

Mons 
Have given a priest offence? 
Mes. One priest o'erpassed 

Even Mons' credulity, asked a staggering loan 
To be repaid with tempting usury 
In the future world. He frowned in the father's 

face, 
And muttered, in turning, that the banks of 

heaven 
Would have slight dealing with the swindlers' 

hell. 
Of. Bravo for Mons ! 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 141 

Ni. Poor Mons! his last defiance 

Was worth its cost. We need Cotaminus now. 
Him we must have. Empire can scarcely stand, 
Save on the broad foundation of his wisdom. 

Nobles enter. 
1st N. Nirus, we leave the king's accursed 

cause, 
And join our peasant brethren, till we win 
Our country's Runnymede. 
Ni. Most gratefully 

To this alliance do we bid you welcome, 
And promise you the deference that befits 
Your rank and culture. 
2nd N. First would we consult 

Upon one question that as yet delays 
Our unanimity. Indulgence, pray, 
Grant to our classes' weaknesses ; a doubt 
Has just arisen, if our dignity 
Were unimpaired, subordinated thus 
To a cause begun by others ; and we wonder 
About your origin, which seems, indeed, 
Involved in clouds of secrecy. 
yd N. Your honor 

With Varian gives prestige; but you know 
The fairest, courtier needs new argument 
For primacy in such war. 
2nd N. Nor are we, Nirus 

Impertinent in asking some account 
Of all your youth's obscurity. The knight 
That sudden looms before us, and assumes 
This haughtiness of mien may haply drop 
From yonder sky ; yet unromantic sires, 
Awaiting his credentials, are most like 
To take for granted that this prodigy 
Came not by miracle from out the clouds, 
But rather in the old prosaic manner 



142 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

Rose from a grimy cavern. 

ist N. 'Twere much, indeed, 

To know what earnest motive gives you impulse 

Outside of mere adventure. 

Ni. Tell me, pray, 

Your disposition toward the priestly caste 

As represented by the sect that now 

Is holding Castux thrall. 

ist N. So fierce our scorn 

Of those degenerate wretches who profane 

The holiest calling, that in desperation 

Half of our rank are ready to make war 

Upon the Almighty, merely to emphasize 

Our hatred and defiance of the knaves 

That seem to be his spokesmen. 

Ni. Then I'll try 

To satisfy at once your just demands, 

And clear up all the darkness that surrounds 

My early life. During the present lull 

In warlike action I have been at pains 

To furnish pastime for the impatient ranks 

That chafe at all delay ; and presently 

One episode of my experience 

Will be enacted on our mimic stage 

For such as love the drama. In the pauses 

I'll supplement the story, till my life 

Is your familiar knowledge. You shall learn 

How fierce the passion I have kept alive 

To re-enforce my duty. You shall see 

A hell-fire kindled in my peaceful breast. 

Giving me portion in that brutal might 

Intended not for me, like to a lamb 

With blood transfused from out a lion's veins, 

Till her roar affrights the flock. 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 143 

THE PLAY. 

r ". r ' • "' 1 y r v^;'r 

1st Scene. Nirns and Chief-Priests. 
1st Ch. Our son, we hear with joy that you 

propose 
To dedicate your wealth of intellect, 
And all its hoarded knowledge to the service 
Of the holy Cult. 

Ni. I know no nobler use 

For all my acquisitions and my powers 
Than service of my God and of mankind. 
2nd Ch. Well-spoken! and the Cult approves 

and blesses 
These lesser gifts of intellect when offered 
In fealty to her. 

Ni. I freely grant 

That even sovereign reason, kingliest gift 
Wherewith is man endowed, dwindleth away 
To pettiness when cast in sacrifice 
At the feet of God. 

1st Ch. Thus truly hast thou spoken 

The sum of earthly wisdom. Then beware 
Of magnifying in thy thought or speech 
A faculty so poor. 

2nd Ch. But evermore 

Be faith your trusted guide ; and when these two 
Prove contrary, be not beguiled, but choose 
The angel faith. 

Ni. These two, it seems to me, 

Cannot be contrary ; for faith is born — 
Such faith as I conceive — of reason's self, 
Of reason and of feeling, that sweet consort 
Of reason's royal dignity. 
2nd Ch. Ha, sir! 

What then if revelation should conflict 
With reason's guidance? 



144 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

Ni. Revelation, then, 

Is proven false. 

ist Ch. What! do you then reject 

The holy Book? 

Ni. Most surely I do not ; 

I judge it as a book, a holy book, 
Yet not infallible. 

2nd Ch. Aha ! indeed ! 

Have you ever heard of heresy ? 
ist Ch. And he 

That blessed the world ere he sank in the Bur- 
man flames, 
Have you still faith in Rahn? 
Ni. As in my mother. 

1st Ch. No more than that? 
Ni. I could not more. 

2nd Ch. Indeed? 

His blest Metempsychosis, why surprising 
If that, too, you reject? 

Ni. I do in truth 

Reject that dogma. 

ist Ch. Spurning from you thus 

All Rahna's doctrines, what remaining right 
To call yourself a Rahnist ? 
Ni. My acceptance 

Of the Master's primal teachings, of the law 
Of perfect love, God's fatherhood, the kinship 
Of living creatures all ; yea, and my need 
And deep heart-yearning for the sympathy 
And fellowship of other Rahnist souls. 
And still more for the kindly ministries 
Of love and pity wherein Rahna once 
Walked upon earth. 

2nd Ch. Alas ! a doubtful service 

You'll render while you walk upon the earth, 
Infecting others with your atheism, 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 145 

And dragging others with you in your fall 

To the doom of death. 

Ni. I beg your pardon, truly, 

That I have been intruding on you thus 

Opinions so distasteful. Pray dismiss me 

That I may go about my new-found duties 

In my own way, no more offending you 

With this my differing faith. 

1st Ch. And do you think 

That Raima's deputies will e'er consent 

To 'give their blessing to an infidel 

In priestly garments, to a ravenous wolf 

Clad in sheep's clothing? Shall we furnish for 

him 
A spotless fleece to hide his tawny fur, 
Till the flock is ruined ? Brother, tell me, pray, 
What is your mind? 

2nd Ch. 'Tis not our privilege 

To extirpate all evil things that menace 
The welfare of society ; and yet 
We may at least withhold from them our sanc- 
tion, 
Nor furnish them with clerical disguise 
To mask in. 

Ni. Do not now deny, I pray, 

The privilege to serve my fellow-men 
That need my ministry. Leave me to God ; 
And if my service prove beneficent, 
'Twill prosper then ; if otherwise, the winds 
Will sweep my fruitless labor to their limbo 
And leave me empty-handed. 
1st Ch. We've decided 

And will not reconsider. 
Ni. Then at last 

Another soul's delivered from the danger 
Of turning bigot. Being outlawed now, 



146 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

And free from your conventions, I'll be sure 
To live a nobler life. 

2nd Ch. Farewell, my son! 

God bless you, and restore you by his grace 
To knowledge of himself. [Exeunt chief -priests. 
Ni. Thus are my dreams 

Forever shattered. I am driven forth 
With insult by the masters of the harvest 
From my work amid the sheaves. Within this 

Cult 
My childhood and my youth have passed away. 
And I had hoped to lie down at the end 
In my grave-cradle, while the hand of the Cult, 
Soft as a mother's, wrapped the turf about me, 
Remembered henceforth as her cherished child. 
I thought the life was all ; and when my creed 
Changed with my years, I hoped the Cult would 

still 
Give sympathy and blessing, and assist me 
To realize my mission. Ah ! today 
I'm more than orphaned. With a breaking heart 
I gaze on the empty future. 

2nd Scene. Nirus and a Priest. 
Pr. Nirus, the Brotherhood with grief and pain 
Have heard about your fall, how even you 
Have mocked the pleading eyes of martyred 

Rahn 
And joined the lewd profaners. 
Ni. Rather, sir, 

I heed at last those piteous orbs of love, 
Discern their eloquent thought. 
Pr. Alas, alas ! 

With words of piety you cannot hide 
The cloven hoofs of infidelity 
And groveling atheism. There is no hope 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 147 

Except in Rahn. He is the only way 
Whereby to gain salvation. Who accepts 
Is blest, is blest forever; he that spurns 
That sacrificial offer shall in vain 
Plead for the mercy he hath dared blaspheme. 
O Rahn, I thank thee for these words of com- 
fort. 
Ni, I the heart-hardened can not share your 

comfort. 
Pr. The natural man receiveth not the things 
Of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness 
To such as he. Nor can he ever know them, 
Being spiritually discerned. And yet refusal 
To believe these things can make them no less 

true. 
Ni. Refusal of the reason and the conscience 
To accept these dogmas proves that they are 

false, 
Fit to be spurned. 

Pr. Alas ! who once had thought 

That blasphemy like this would ever flow 
From lips devout as yours were? Tell me, Nirus, 
With deep, self-searching candor, if indeed 
You are sincere. 

Ni. Pray wait till you yourself 

Have sacrificed a tithe as much as I 
For conscience sake, then come to me again 
And ask that question. 

Pr. I'll not press you now, 

But leave the question with you to revive 
Daily within your memory. Now I pass 
To another query. By another test 
Urge the self-inquisition. Are you, pray, 
Wholly at peace? 

Ni. My brother, brother-man ! 

Fiendlike you taunt me ; you and all your horde 



148 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

As fierce as cannibals assail me round 
And for diversion's sake pause now and then 
To ask if I'm at peace. May heaven help me 
Still to reject your peace. May God preserve 

me 
In this the great temptation of my life, 
To be disloyal for the sake of peace, 
The shameful peace you offer. I'll admit 
Your Cult hath its beneficence. Its own 
Receive its benediction; and it blesseth, 
As doth a beast of prey, the progeny 
Of its own bosom ; who doth not submit, 
It crusheth out his life. Why this discussion 
That cannot bring us nearer? Pray forgive 
My words of bitterness ; and let us part 
In Raima's love. 

Pr. With all my heart. And yet 

I cannot but compare your attitude 
To a rebellions child's that artfully 
Averts correction due by showering 
A storm of kisses on the threatening hand 
Of the offended mother. This I'll say, 
That Rahna's love can scarcely be expected 
From one who's not a Rahnist. Furthermore 
My duty bids me say that Rahna's love, 
Like the love of God, must not degenerate 
To sentimental weakness. God upholds 
With righteous wrath his justice. So must I, 
God's representative, assume a sternness, 
Meet for rebellion such as you evince 
Against the will of God. I tell you plainly 
Your greatest sin is this morality 
On which you plume yourself. Your outward 

life 
May be correct; but God, who searches hearts, 
Judges e'en you, wrapped in the filthy rags 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 149 

Of your own self-righteousnes. Ha! if in horror 
We look on convicts with their shameful stripes 
And shaven crowns, how shall we then regard 
God's convict who is under sentence here 
To the endless death-doom! How I beg you, 

Nirus, 
Turn while you can ! You know not but today 
May be your final chance. I was myself 
Once a poor sinner ; and yet Rahna saved me : 
And you, too, he can save, and though your sins 
Are now as scarlet, he will wash them, brother, 
And make them white as snow. 
Ni. Ha ! 'Tis a creed, 

And not a man insults me ; here's no chance 
To exercise forgiveness. No offence 
Have I received from you; but may I say 
Your creed's impertinent and insolent, 
And being no person, it can have no claims 
Upon my tenderness? I hate it, sir, 
As God himself hates sin. 
Pr. You show ill-temper 

So natural to the man whose heart's untouched 
By the love of Rahn. I on the contrary 
By the help of God feel now no irritation, 
And leave you in all kindness. Think not, Nirus, 
That we have given you up ; for night and day 
Our prayers will rise before the throne of Rahn 
For your salvation ; you shall be beseiged 
Month after month my our unw r earied pleadings ; 
We'll press upon you in the hour of sorrow, 
When your heart is breaking; when your death 

is near, 
And your stubborn will grows weak, we'll gather 

round 
And wrest the faint confession from your lips, 
As they gasp their last, or, failing this, detect 



ISO DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

Your tardy recognition of the faith 

In some significant gesture. Oh ! not many 

Escape us finally. [Exit. 

Ni. Aha! methinks 

'Twould be a pleasant task to pillory 

This pious vulgarity to move the mirth 

Of all posterity. What rare mosaic 

I'll some day make of these fantastic ravings 

Of professional saintship — ludicrous enough 

To a happier race, but unto us, alas ! 

Most solemn-tragic with the waiting leer 

Of the headsmen close at hand. I thank my God 

That I am now delivered from the danger 

Of giving up my life to Satan's work 

In this pernicious trade. What other guild 

Has for its only mission to exalt 

And hallow falsehood, and suppress high reason, 

Man's holiest faculty, nipping the bud 

Of every noble thought-life sent by heaven 

To redeem the fallen race ? 'Twas this same tribe 

Slew the world's prophet-saint, and still continues 

In every age its old congenial task 

Of mangling the sweet lips of God's good angels 

Just shaping for the evangel. 

yd Scene. Laura's Home. Nirus. Servant 
enters. 

Ser. My lady presently will see you, sir, 
If you'll tarry for a moment. [Exit. 
Ni. Presently 

My lady will be here ! Oh ! ne'er before 
Knew I how much I love her, nor how deep 
My need is for her presence. When she comes, 
The bitterness and misery will flee 
As at a spirit's entrance. She alone 
Of all the world can give me sympathy 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 151 

And perfect understanding. She can make me 
As gentle as a child, and bring again 
The angel love to reign within my bosom. 
Laura enters. 

Laura, my own love, in agony 

As deep as soul hath known I come to you 

For strength and solacing. 

Lau. Nirus, with grief 

Beyond all worlds I heard the sad account 

Of your apostasy. 

Ni. And you, too, Laura, 

Do you, too, turn against me? 

Lau. You yourself 

Turn against me, whene'er you turn against 

The Lord I serve. 

Ni. I have not turned against him , 

1 serve him more than ever, and I love him 
As you yourself do. I but cast away 

The cruel creed that violates the spirit 

Of his sweet life and teaching. 

Lau. 'Tis no use 

To urge these sophistries. I'd rather die 

Than prostitute myself by such a marriage 

With an ungodly man, or wrong my Savior 

By sharing the devotion due to him 

With an unbeliever. [Exit. 

Ni. Why ; 'tis better surely 

That I have no hostage now within this Cult 

To hinder me from action. I'll no more 

Employ soft words ; I'll compromise no more 

With the evil thing. If ever in my life 

I can persuade a single soul to turn 

And spurn this superstition I shall feel 

My life well-spent. This monstrous tyranny 

Must be resisted. Oh ! I must and must 

Be true and loyal, and must dash myself 



152 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

Against this heartless and unpitying rock, 
This Peter who the keys of heaven and hell 
Holdeth so fast, this cruel Sphinx, the Cult. 
Can I be saint-like gentle, yet fulfill 
So stern a mission? Let me cultivate 
More virile virtues, bid adieu for aye 
To prayer and sonnet. In our vulgar era 
No tragic hero is acceptable 
Without some sparkle of infernal fire 
Mixed with his aether. All the critics hiss 
That poor monstrosity. All men agree 
That we need the ballast of some mundane in- 
stinct 
To weigh us earthward and prevent our souls 
From thinning into vapor ; mine shall be 
Hatred of mitred falsehood. 

4th Scene. Nirns. 
Ni. 'Tis not the life I wished, yet after all 
'Twill be a pleasant life. Among my boys, 
Teaching my Plato I will live at peace, 
And in the teacher's ministry I'll merge 
My ruined priesthood. I'll be like a priest 
Among my students ; and in faith and love 
I'll spend my mortal days. I'll not engage 
In conflict with the Cult. The bitterness 
Engendered in my bosom when I brood 
Upon these wrongs would turn my human soul 
To a living hell. I cannot keep alive 
A single day unless I smother out 
These fury-flames. I find mine's not a nature 
Gentle enough to trust" amid the frenzy 
Of such a strife ; the fierce delirium, 
The drunkenness of rage would soon transform me 
Into a demon. I will live at peace, 
And pray for love. 






EMPIRE OF TALINIS 153 

Professor enters. 
Prof. I beg you, pardon me, 

That I have kept you waiting. News unpleasant 
Must I communicate. The faculty 
Have reconsidered, and with deep regret 
Recalled the nomination. 
Ni. Can you tell me 

Why the decision? 

Prof. Not our preference, 

But exigence external has impelled 
To make this change. A protest from the Cult 
Made necessary, in the interests 
Of the university, that we revoke 
Our previous choice. 

Ni. Of course I cannot feign 

To hear such news with pleasure ; yet I'm sure 
I could not be induced to undertake 
In any place a service that would prove 
Injurious to others. 

Prof. Once again 

Let me assure you of our deep regret 
At the sacrifice that we have all incurred 
In losing you. I trust that in the future 
The Cult may modify its opposition, 
And leave us free. 

Ni. I thank you for your kindness 

Prof. Farewell ! and my good wishes. [Exit. 
Ni. Hunted ! hunted ! 

Pursued to death by packs of yelping wolves, 
Famished with cruelty! My every breath, 
Since I was born, has had the curse of the Cult 
Heavy upon it ; when I breathe my last 
This Cult will lay my body in the ground, 
With a final curse, hissing the words of hate 
That scorch with all the imagery of hell. 
Oh ! ere I quite succumb to this despair, 



154 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

And make a full submission to my foes 
By slaughtering myself, let me but once, 
In sight of heaven, lift a dying protest 
Against my persecutors. 

Priest enters. 
Pr. Nirus, my boy, 

I learn with much regret that you are still 
Without employment. 

Ni. Let my gratitude 

Vie in sincerity with your regret. 
Pr. My son. I trust you'll learn a useful lesson 
From this experience harsh. Remember, Nirus, 
Tis Rahnist young men that will always win 
The good positions. [Exit. 
Ni. Ha ! I would to God, 

Or to what brutal force may serve as God, 
That I were learned in the lore of Clio ! 
If all the tongues of history were mine, 
I'd celebrate a Pentecost of scorn 
In honor of the Cult. E'er since that reptile 
Learned use of claws, (How came the devil's egg 
In the dove's nest?) it drags its slimy length 
In blood and tears. 

$th Scene. Nirus. 
Ni. Let me now leave the past, 

With all its pain and wrong, with all its hope, 
All its ambition. I'll betake me now 
To rural scenes, where nature's love and calm 
Predominate, and hateful human passions 
Are but a weak minority of discord, 
Drowned in the general peace. There I will live 
A gardener's life ; for I will not consent 
To fatten breathing souls for sacrifice 
On the bloody shrine of human appetite. 
That Moloch-altar. As a gardener, 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 155 

Berries I'll raise and fruits, most innocent 

Of earthly occupations. Kindly there 

I'll spend my days, and haply Raima's saints, 

Though I be an infidel, will not refuse 

To buy my berries. Thus I'll live at peace, 

Nor ever grant my heart but one indulgence 

In its great sense of wrong, but one revenge, 

And that a sacred ministry; I'll seek 

In all my life, to snatch one precious soul, 

A single soul, richer than zodiacs, 

Out of that hell wherefrom myself of late 

Made my escape. That single priceless soul 

I'll bear with me up to the gate of heaven — 

Or down to the tomb, that heaven of broken 

hearts, 
To be my passport there, and win for me 
A hallowed fame. 

^c :j< ■% s}c ^c 

Ni. [to Nobles.] Thus have you learned, my 

friends, 
The story of my life. By means like this 
I keep alert in me and in my comrades 
The demon of resentment to be drudge 
And eager spaniel of the angelic justice 
That sways our purpose. I who e'er incline 
To mercy and forgiveness do now nurse 
The spirit of revenge, to feed the flame 
Of righteous war, and with a touch of hate 
To make the ideal of philanthropic love 
Real and human. Judge, then, for yourselves, 
If safely you can trust your interests 
To my direction. 

1st N. Heartily, gallant Nirus, 

We ratify your leadership, ai\d mingle 
Loyally in your ranks. 
Ni. Escort these guests 



156 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

To refreshment and repose. [Exit officer, with 

nobles.] Cotarninus, 
How to win him to us ? Not, certainly, 
By appealing to his conscience. 

Victor enters, with Escort. 

Welcome, Victor! 
Vic. O Nirus, my dear friend, could we have 

dreamed 
That we should meet as foes? 
Ni. Or that yourself 

Would join with Castux to revive today 
The Iberian torture-hell? 
Vic. Oh ! I have striven 

To recall misguided Castux. 
Ni. Yet for him 

Do you yourself, no less misguided Victor, 
Fight on subservient still. 
Vic. No answering speech 

Seek I to wound you with. Bleeding at heart 
I strive with those I love. I falter on 
Weak in my agitation when I think 
Of this unnatural enmity. Alas ! 
How great a joy 'twill be for me at last, 
My duty done, to perish by your sword ! 
Ni. Dear Victor, may I perish miserably 
Ere I raise hand to injure you. 
Vic. My chief 

Being ill himself empowers me to act 
In these negotiations. 

Ni. I am ready. 

Let our aids wait upon us. 

77. Victor's Howe. Mir a. Victor enters. 
Vic. Mira ! 

Mi. O Victor, Victor! 

Vic. How does the little mother in my absence ? 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 157 

Mi. Oh ! joyfully in dreaming- of your presence ! 
Vic. Then I can go in peace. My greeting, 

dear, 
Is a hurried farewell. The army instantly 
Resumes the march. 

Mi. Indeed? 'Tis likely, then, 

That a battle will ensue. 
Vic. Yet reassure me 

By promising to keep your mind at ease 
And leave all things to God. 
Mi. Is it not strange 

That I never fear, but through the deadliest peril 
Trust your high destiny? 
Vic. So I myself 

With equal calm await the arbitrament 
Of each day's fortune. Keep thvself, my love, 
Still beautiful with memories of love. 
With all confiding hopes, all beauteous thoughts 
That blossom from a heart of purity. 
Do not forget me in my absences. 
But cherish in thy soul that flower of love 
That I have planted there. And cherish, too, 
That other flower of love so soon to bloom 
From our engrafted lives. High be her thoughts 
That hath another nature to exalt, 
And not her own alone. Ah ! I had hoped, 
My sweet co-laborer, to share with thee 
These wondrous holidays, thy comforter 
And hourly confidant, till we had called 
The pristine peace of wholesome nature down 
In blessing on us. We would talk and read, 
And walk with nature care-free and begin 
Our consecrated parenthood. The world 
In agony is waiting for the day 
Of some great prophet's coming ; and each time 
When two young hands join trembling at the 



158 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

altar 
A piteous plea from sorrow-burdened earth 
Is lifted to these new united souls, 
Beseeching them to dedicate themselves, 
And make so pure a temple of their home, 
That they may lure some heavenlier spirit down 
To that sweet sanctuary. Souls divine 
Are longing for the hallowed nuptial eve 
Of some two hearts so earnest and so true 
That spirits, sharing their devout emotions, 
May thus find human birth. Who knows, dear 

Mira, 
But even you and I have triumphed thus, 
Winning the world's redemption ? Ah ! I would 
That I might share with you these sacred days, 
Blending my voice with yours in hourly prayer 
For the Spirit to descend. And yet, my love, 
Though I must leave you to endure alone. 
Do not be lonely. Do not feel a doubt 
But you shall have my perfect sympathv 
In all your aspirations and your dreams, 
All fears and exaltations of your nature. 
Not so absorbed am I in baser duties 
That I neglect my higher offices 
With memory faithless. For my love I cherish 
All tenderest anxieties and hopes. 
Potent with intercession heavenward. 
Seeking the throne of God. 
Mi. Oh ! be not anxious : 

For whether thou be near or far, my love. 
The thought of thee exalts me. 
Vic. What power in love, 

When each augments the other limitlessly, 
Nor loses aught : but every teeming hour 
Both grow more opulent. May heaven protect 
Thee and that new soul. Let it be preserved 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 159 

To see at last thy venerated face, 

And draw poetic nurture from thy bosom, 

And bow a radiant head upon thy knee, 

Praying to thee and God. Ah ! honored Mira, 

I have been full of care and weariness ; 

But thou renewest me till my soul is strong. 

Mi. So, Victor, will I ever give thee comfort 

At every interval of life's hard battle. 

That was my dream. 

Vic. Cherish thyself, my love, 

'For now am I to leave thee here behind. 

Mi. I have mementoes — lips that thou hast 

kissed, 
And hands that thou hast clasped, and this true 

breast 
That hath felt thy glorious heart-beat, these are 

all 
Hallowed to me for thy dear sake. Farewell ! 
Vic. God keep thee, Mira! 
Mi. My sweet benefactor, 

Now turn aside from thee the hostile missile, 
The assassin's knife, and slander's deadly venom ; 
And nothing ever thwart thy destiny! 

777. Victor's Home. Mira, Phinon and Sol- 
diers enter. 

Phi. I must require of you a full account 
Of Victor's plans. Necessity of war 
Impels to such abruptness. You are safe 
In our protection, if you now will yield 
The needed information. 

Mi. I assure you 

I know no plans of Victor. 
Phi. We all know 

That he consults you often. Recently 
He called upon you, and 'tis probable 



160 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

He told you his intentions. Do you fancy 
That I am trifling? 

Mi. Sir, I say again, 

I have not heard my husband's recent plans; 
Would that I had, that I might still defy you 
To wrench them from my lips. 'Tis waste of 

time 
For you to stay here longer. 
Phi. Ah ! indeed ? 

I doubt not I shall be constrained at present 
To make my quarters here. And I observe 
Your husband's banner floating from the roof. 
I must request you that it be removed 
From such a haughty station. 
Mi. My husband's banner 

Shall not be moved. 

Phi. Pardon ! by your own hand. 

Mi. Puissant colonel, you exaggerate 
Your martial power. Mira will never lower 
Her husband's flag. 

Phi. Not move the flag? My lady, 

My pretty lady, proud yet vulnerable, 
Comply with my demands ; or, as I live, 
I will loose you to my regiment, and bid them 
Forget that they are men. 
Mi. O Phinon, Phinon, 

I am your cousin ! Is there a soldier here 
That has a wife or sister? None will aid! 
Vile wretches, it is woman's blood, not man's, 
That stains the weapons of such coward slaves ! 
O butchers, may your bloody visages, 
Returning home from this disgraceful day, 
Frighten your wives, and make your offspring 
monsters ! [Exit a soldier from Phi- 
non' s rear. 
Phi. Tood! that is tragic! Bravo, Mira! Now, 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 161 

Since pleasures of the mind so far excel 

All sensual pleasure, you shall have reprieve, 

Scheherezade-like, a little space, 

Until breath fail you, if you but vouchsafe 

The music of your far-famed eloquence. 

Sing, caged songstress, out of this full throat, 

And this voluptuous breast, a cadenced swell 

Of plaints and curses, anguish and despair, 

Terror and scorn, until, exhausted quite, 

You lie a tropic burthen in the arms 

Of even timorous lads. Too much, I know, 

Of Phinon's blood is in these veins of yours 

For you to yield ; and yet I so delight 

In your despairing passion that I shrink 

From choking out that glorious flame at once 

In shrieking torture-throes. 

Mi. Inhuman Phinon ! 

You know that I am vulnerable indeed, 

As in my trembling paleness must appear; 

But you shall see that I am unconquerable, 

And prize my dignity above my life. 

Phi. And do you think your dignity forsooth, 

Will be unruffled? 

Mi. Yes, if I do not yield; 

Only ourselves can ever have the power 

To bring a shame upon us. I prefer 

A great indignity at hands of others 

To a slight one self-inflicted, instrument 

Of my own degradation. You shall find 

That a spirit's not so easily subdued, 

Though manacled in flesh. Your brutal strength 

May grasp — it cannot hold me. Thwarted you'll 

clutch 
A heap of earth no more desirable, 
Or passive to you. I shall be transformed 
As Daphne was. Translated I shall be ; 



1 62 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

And when you think that I am in your grasp, 

I shall be trembling in the arms of God, 

Safe, though still frightened. Or if death delay, 

What shall I care to suffer violence 

A little while, and then be free forever? 

Kill me with torture, and leave my insipid form 

Upon the ground, and marvel at your folly. 

Revel in my dust; how trivial is that! 

'Tis but a portion of the meaningless motes 

That are visible in the radiance of a soul. 

And who can harm the soul? Phinon, indeed, 

Can force base matter to obey his will ; 

Spirit eludes him. 

Phi. 'Tis useless waiting. Seises her. 

The Soldier re-enters, with Nirus. 
Ni. Most honored of all women! Brother 

Phinon, 
I recall your past ; none with less lofty thoughts 
Than you have known shall make you prisoner 

now 
In this your hour of darkness. I myself 
Will be your guard, my tent your cell. Alas ! 
You look so strong, they do not think you ill, 
But stare, and feel no pity. My friend is dying ; 
I take him to my tent to save his life. 
My friend and I are one ; his sins are mine; 
I share in his remorse ; a psychic bond 
Unites us twain. Together let us go 
To blend our tears and prayers, and to devise 
Some fraction of atonement, or some deed 
Of desperate penance, or some bloody plan 
To execute death-vengeance on ourselves. 
Mira, your house shall have a faithful guard 
Has rendered the great service of his life, 
Fulfilling thus his noble destiny 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 163 

In Mira's preservation. 

IV. Tent of Nirus. Nirus and Phinon. 
Ni. Ah, Phinon, Phinon! 
Phi. You make a great ado 

Over the harlot. 
Ni. Phinon ! 

Phi. She is a woman ; 

And therefore has a harlot's qualifications. 
Ni. O Ena, Ena! 
Phi. Blasphemer, not that name. [Throzvs 

himself face downward on the 

conch. 

Ni. Sleep if you can; I cannot rest or sleep. 

I cannot sleep, but I will pace the tent, 

A weary sentinel. O Phinon, hear ; 

Answer me, friend. Ah! I must be more gentle. 

I should come near. Phinon, repel me not. 

I am not certain but our very crimes, 

By giving pathos to our earthly life, 

Would make us dear to angels. This I know — 

That brother's love grows dearer and more dear 

For to-day's calamity. Oh, what a wreck 

Of how devout a nature! What despair 

Has overwhelmed you ! Even your blasphemy 

Is uttered sobbingly. 'Tis hard for you 

To live a gross life. Be not sullen thus 

In nature's smiling face. Give back that smile 

In purity and hope. In Ena's name 

I call you to renewal of the joy, 

The goodness once you chose, invoking me 

To be your witness. Ah ! you tremble, Phinon ? 

Is the music, then, not all departed from thee? 

Let this soft dulcet be the prelude now 

To a full burst of grief's wild melody, 



1 64 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

And then be still forever, that finale 

Echoing in my memory evermore 

With no succeeding discord to displace it. 

Phi. Nirus, you know fate rules. Why do yo»i 

plead 
Thus inconsistently as if we two 
Could revoke a destiny? 

Ni. O heavenly powers, 

Are ye not all profane and impious, 
Thus faithlessly to give up such a spirit 
To sin's control? And I — is this my trophy 
To carry with me to eternity? 
This my saved soul ? Alas ! what base alloy 
Of coarser motive, lurking unobserved 
In that apostleship, hath brought this curse 
Upon my priesthood? Phinon, do not think 
That I am ignorant, that I never sinned , 
Or knew remorse, or fell back once again 
When I had thought me safe. Ah ! we are broth- 
ers, 
And share the same dread destiny. O Phinon, 
Brother, look up, look out upon the world, 
And see how beautiful, and then confess 
That you were right in youth, when, full of 

faith, 
You gazed on beauty, and read deity 
In each sweet lineament. Is all dark now? 
All things were once so bright. Ah! do you 

think 
Your vision now is truer, when you stare 
Into the blackness, than your vision once 
When radiant beauties met your priestly gaze 
Where'er you chanced to turn ? Oh ! trust again 
Those early revelations and believe 
Once more in beauty, and so once again 
Acknowledge goodness, that divinest beauty, 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 165 

Renewing your old vows. Look, dearest brother, 
Look through those gathering tears up at the 

light, 
The holy light, and find the iris there, 
The beauteous iris, symbol of man's hope ; 
And consecrate yourself once more a priest 
Of light and purity. The sunshine now 
Is resting on your brow, a golden blessing, 
Transfiguring and making beautiful 
Your grief-worn temples, sweet rays sent to 

prove 
That you can wear a halo. Oh ! accept it, 
And win back Ena's presence ! 
Phi. I accept. 

V . Senate of the Revolutionary Government. 
President of the Senate, Nirus and Senators. 

Ni. I wonder at your summons. It disturbs 
Plans of the greatest moment ; yet I trust 
That you will not now ask me to reveal. 
And through this secret session spread abroad 
My recent more elaborate designs, 
Just ripe for execution. All is lost, 
If they should now be published. 
Pres. Pray be patient, 

And wait the Senate's pleasure. [Senate assem- 
bles.] Senators, 
The general obeys our recent summons, 
And waits to hear your orders. Let the clerk 
Read now our late decree. 
Senators. Read the decree ! 

CI. Decreed by the Senate : Nirus, general 
Of all the people's armies, is relieved 
From further service, in the interest 
Of all the people ; Phinon, aid and colonel 
Of the same Nirus, is hereby dismissed, 



1 66 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

Degraded to the ranks. 
Ni. My poor Phinon ! 

They have cast him out to frenzy. In her pres- 
ence! 
1st S. Do not yield, Nirus, to this cursed plot. 
2nd S. The army will support you, and the 

people. 
3rd S. As you are a patriot, now be resolute ; 
Be faithful to the people. 
Many Senators. Silence, traitors. [Great 

uproar. 
Ni. With dutiful heart from lofty undertakings, 
In the midst of my success I now desist. 
I am a poor man ; I have not been born 
With mighty hosts to be my property. 
These armies are my country's, not my own ; 
I have no right to wield them disallowed, 
Not even for unselfish service. I acknowledge 
That this glorious breath of life which late was 

mine 
My country gave, and it can take away ; 
And I complain not. 

4th S. Bravo, bravo, Nirus ! 

$th S. Demagogue! 
6th S. Hypocrite! 

Ni. My country's will, 

Once delegated to this great assembly, 
Is exercised through it, and till recalled 
Requires my full submission, till at last 
My sentence is revoked, and I am 1 given 
The hope of life again. Oh ! I do feel 
A leaping of the blood that prophesies 
All glorious achievement ; and methinks 
That I should find it quite as easy now 
To do great deeds as to upraise my eyes 
To yonder regal heavens — how close they are 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 167 

To him whose heart is true ! But I refuse 

To be great lawlessly ; I choose death first ; 

And dead I am unless I be engaged 

In lofty deeds. I wait the resurrection ; 

Not as a mutinous ghost, reproachably 

Will I embrace the glory of a life 

To walk an outlawed spirit in the night ; 

But I will wait till called forth honorably 

To renew my destined triumph. 

Senators. Bravo, bravo! 

1st S. Shame on the Senate! 

$th S. Silence! 

Ni'. If that time 

Shall never come, then I will still be dead, 

And silent rest with patience in the tomb, 

And not usurp the light. 

Senators. Ah, Nirus, Nirus ! 

Pres. Let us have order ! 

Senators. Order ! 

Ni. If you grant 

That I may choose my grave, let me depart 

This moment to the front, and be entombed 

There in the ranks, among my noble comrades, 

A faithful soldier, proud enough to serve, 

Although I might command. I yield my sword 

To the officer of the Senate, to be held 

In trust for my successor. May our country 

Be gainer from; the change! And now farewell, 

Neighbors and countrymen ! 

3rd S. Honor to Nirus ! 

4th S. Down with the tyrant Senate! 

$th S. A traitor's voice! 

Let it be silenced ! 

6th S. Down with all senators 

That are traitors to their order. 

Ni. I'll not now 



1 68 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

Abandon Phinon ; I will stay beside him ; 
And he shall yet be saved. I now am freed 
From other duties, and can dedicate 
My service all to him. 

Song of Partisans. 
He that standeth at our head, 
We can trust him surely. 
We shall be no more misled, 
He will guide us purely. 

Like a king in force of will, 
Fit for scepter-wielding, 
Lives he like a peasant still, 
All his kingship yielding. 

History can never know 
Half our hero's greatness, 
He himself represseth so 
All its dread completeness. 

VI. Two Officers. 
1st Of. Good morning, comrade. Now what 

pleasing thought ? 
2nd Of. I know good news for us and for Ta- 

linis. 
ist Of. Good news? How possible, with Nirus 

gone, 
The army mutinous, and this great defeat? 
2nd Of. Have you not heard ? Ah ! you have 

been abroad, 
And only just now landed. On the high seas 
One's wholly out of the world. 
1st Of. Pray, tell me all. 

2nd Of. I'll tell if you are patient, and will wait, 
Nor be importunate, while I go back 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 169 

To make my tale connected, humoring thus 
My literary instinct. Victor, you know, 
The earnest Victor, never seemed at ease 
As tyranny's defender. Nirus oft, 
In many a parley, moved him to remorse, 
Pleading the people's cause ; yet still the oath 
Sworn to the king, and churchly fealty 
Held Victor back, as well as the strange spell 
Of kingly birthright, and the deep reproach 
Upon the name of traitor, and perhaps 
The thought of his own kinship to the purple, 
Remote, yet not forgotten. Still he hoped 
That his great influence would prevail at last, 
And end the persecution. Vain that hope ; 
And he at length resolved. Then came the story 
Of Phinon's wickedness, and with it reached him 
Accounts perverted of the seeming slight 
That Nirus, pardoning Phinon, offered Mira, 
Who is, indeed, in peril of her life, 
Because of that fright and insult. Victor, then, 
Remained aloof from Nirus, and was fierce 
Upon the royal side, and soon eclipsed 
His former glory with a victory 
That nearly ruined us ; for on the day 
When Nirus was recalled, our army, left 
Without its leader, was attacked by Victor 
And almost overwhelmed. But then he learned 
That Nirus was dismissed. The senate, thinking 
That Nirus might be spared and Victor won, 
Had shamefully discharged our general, 
Phinon and him together, twin offenders, 
A two-fold obstacle. Then Victor, glad 
For honor's sake to seize our darkest hour, 
Came to our side; and all his own command, 
Eager to share his fortunes, willingly 
Followed him hither, half the king's best men, 



170 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

Varian's veterans. But the generalship 

The upright Victor spurns, no base deserter 

For mere promotion. Now's a quandary 

Whom we shall choose. 

1st Of. Why, any one of twenty 

Among the friends of Victor, so he possess 

Good sense and dignity, and the modesty 

To repress himself and follow Victor's counsel. 

2nd Of. Why check the historian's rhetoric, 

needlessly 
Marring your entertainment. The noble Nirus, 
Yielding submissively his high command 
Did not thereby resign his fiery zeal 
Against the priest-led tyrant, but set forth 
To join the people's ranks with musket borne 
More proudly than a sword, leaving the Senate 
Uneasy for the outcome. Then so swift 
Was Victor's action, that when Nirus came, 
The brief, decisive battle had been fought, 
And Victor, learning the disgrace of Nirus, 
Had now declared for us. Nirus at once 
Hearing the cause of Victor's alienation, 
Sought Victor out, and wringing from his eyes 
Compassionate tears for wretched Phinon's fate, 
Won back the friendship and esteem of Victor 
Stronger than ever. While the Senate waited 
In growing trepidation, there was brought 
A generous message from the hand of Victor, 
Which set them all a-flutter. Quickly then 
The courier lightning sped upon its way 
To summon Nirus back. Anxious he came 
Into the Senate's midst, the while they sat 
Ashamed and yet well-pleased, not to condemn. 
As he expected, but with loud applause 
To give back all his honors. There as he stood 
Astonished in the midst, Cotaminus, 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 171 

Escorted to his side, with graceful speech 

Transferred to us his civic skill, as lately 

Victor his martial genius. Then what triumph 

Shone in our hero's eye! "Cotaminus," 

With radiant face he cried, "far better this 

Than a victory won in arms. I take your coming 

As a happy omen for our new Talinis, 

To which I welcome you — you that have served 

In two kings' counsels with such diligence, 

And yet are stainless of their tyrannies." 

A louder peal of acclamation rolled, 

Re-echoing Nirus' name. Then swiftly gleamed 

Within his eye a glitter Caesar-like 

Of vanity divine, as if a splendor 

Before undreamed — a scepter's glorious flame — 

Plashed out in vision from futurity. 

1st Of. Ah! no; it could not be. Mar not my 

trust 
That Nirus is all-innocent of heart, 
A Cincinnatus, a child-humble hero 
For all men to repose in. 

2nd Of. A moment later 

The pastoral mien returned. Yet for an instant, 
The crown was in his thought, and not disdained, 
And not rejected, till in sight of men 
It blazed sublimely forth. What flattery 
From the godhead of his genius thus to win 
The glorious homage of his vast desire ! 
O world, be proud, and deck thyself with flowers. 
If even great Nirus bows to us his soul, 
Needing the bounteous fullness of our love 
To complete his being's void. That passionate 

mood 
May have left no memory there, to burn and 

glow 
In his wonted thought; yet for a moment-space 



172 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

Its light shone forth effulgent. Ah ! be sure 

If Nirus care to win us, he'll not find us 

Coy to his wooing. 

ist Of. I fear that you yourself 

Would reverse nature and yourself turn wooer. 

I rebuke you not ; I, too, begin to share 

The eager agitation. 

2nd Of. But the news. 

The wondrous news that lighted up my face, 

And called forth your inquiry, I have not yet 

Told you that news. My recapitulation — 
A Group of Soldiers enter. 

ist Sol. Our divine Nirus breathes the breath 
of life 

From his own nostrils into every creature. 

Till it is recreated in his image. 

And can itself perform like miracles 

Of lofty heroism. 

ist Of. What new achievement' 

2nd Sol. The Arctic expedition is returned. 

^rd Sol. And comes in triumph from the mar- 
velous pole. 

2nd Of. That was the news that gave me such 
delight. 

4th Sol. Attained is the goal of centuries. 

2nd Of. Twas Nirus 

Inspired the enterprise. 

$th Sol. Except for him 

It ne'er had been accomplished. 

Song. 
The frigid monarch of snow. 
The monarch of war and woe, 
Was reigning there on the mountains. 
The mountains of ice and snow. 
We entered the ice-bound bay : 
We battered the ramparts away : 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 173 

We reached the frozen fountains, 
Reached them on Freedom's day. 

Refrain, 

Oh, glorious jubilee! 
Ours the golden key 
To the heart of all mystery ! 

We hurled the ice-king prone 
Down from his hateful throne, 
And gave to new-born Science 
The mystic North for her own. 
Polaris, tremble thou 
To rest upon her brow. 
Hail, Freedom's world-alliance! 
Hail, banner regnant now ! 

Refrain. 

We planted our ensign bright 
In realms of arctic night, 
To banish the gloom infernal 
With beams of that banner of light. 
O flag of the free, e'er shine 
'Neath the orbs that ne'er decline 
And let earth's homage diurnal, 
Till it rotate no longer, be thine. 

Refrain. 

3rd Officer enters. 
3rd Of. More happy news. The land is wild 

with triumph ! 
Soronia and Cleria are convulsed 
With our great general's footsteps. Secretly 



174 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

He sent his arms to overwhelm them both, 

And all his plans succeed. 

2nd Of. What brought about 

This sudden revolution? 

$rd Of. You recall 

The story told of Nirus when in youth 

He went as envoy to Soronia, 

Sent by K&ng Castux. Aged Hensius 

Was so delighted with the kingly youth, 

Who put on hauteur like a robe of state, 

Even in the royal presence, and maintained 

His manly dignity as no less high 

Than majesty itself — old Hensius 

Was gleeful, and exclaimed, "Ah ! he is royal ; 

He is no piteous slave, like common men, 

Made for a subject ; Nirus is a king, 

And only waits a throne. Let him have mine." 

When Hensius should die, a distant kinsman 

Must gain the throne, to rule with feeble hand, 

And sacrifice the honor of the crown 

In many a timid makeshift policy, 

And many a deed of shame to bring the blush 

For manhood's sake upon the subject's cheek. 

Before the royal patriarch expired, 

Nirus became the hero of the world. 

And rumor spread among the peasantry 

That good King Hensius had prophesied 

That Nirus should be king, and had desired 

That Nirus should succeed him. Then the people 

Kept telling one another of his deeds 

And of his virtues. Fair Soronia wished 

To be his bride, and longed to cast herself 

Down at his feet to be within his power, 

And over her to feel his mighty presence. 

In vain the king protested and denied ; 

The king had made a prophecy; and kings 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 175 

Inspired of heaven foretell futurity, 
Though they know it not themselves ; nay, verily 
'Twas but a surer proof — this very fact 
That Hensius did not understand himself 
The meaning of his words. It rendered certain 
That some diviner prescience spoke through him, 
And made the future known. Then when at 

last 
King Hensius was no more, and they were ruled 
By such a piteous imbecile, they cried 
For Nirus to relieve them. 
1st Of. And how, pray, 

Has Cleria now been won ? 
$rd Of. In Varian's time 

Nirus was friendly to the Clerians, 
And they have not forgotten. Then of late 
Their banished kings have plotted for the throne, 
With our king's aid ; they dread with equal dread 
Castux and their own tyrants, still alive, 
And venomously formidable of race. 
Nirus approached them with his matchless skill, 
And won them to him. If we gain this war, 
All Cleria will be ours. 

Confusion without. Shouts of, "Castux is 
slain/' Soldiers enter. 

1st Of. Is Castux slain? 

6th Sol. Yes ; he is dead, slain by a treacherous 

servant. 
Our victory is won ; his soldiery 
Are all disbanded, and his brother fled. 
2nd Of. Ah! chaos is upon us, and will last 
Till Nirus comes to end it. If he calm 
The anarchy of three empires, let him reign. 
Citizens. Down with Nirus! Long live the re- 
public ! 



176 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

Song. 
Talinis, now, prophet-like, gentle and strong, 
Walk thou with one soul in the pathway of truth, 
Redeeming the nations from bondage and wrong, 
Extending the empire of justice and ruth. 

The wise men prophetic who came from the east 
Pointed out the bright star that hung over thy 

way; 
And poor men watched as thy stature increased, 
Impatient with hopes that are fruitful today. 

And now, at last is thy dignity gained ; 
The crown of maturity graces thy brow ; 
And promise and symmetry newly attained 
Bless the eyes of the nations that look on thee 
now. 

Talinis, now, prophet-like, gentle and strong, 
Walk thou single-sou led in the pathway of truth, 
Redeeming the nations from bondage and wrong, 
Extending the empire of justice and ruth. 

VII. Phinon, standing over a dead Body. 
Phi. Furies ! I would 1 had torn the living heart 
Out of his naked body, rending the giblet 
While still 'twas beating! Ha! I'm drunk with 

rage, 
Till I can only reel ; and all my passions 
Are fiercely roused within me, as if all 
Were gratified in hate. My fleshly substance 
Is changed to air, my blood to a winged thing 
That beats its red wings through me like a harpy, 
Eager for loathsome cruelty. Ye fiends ! 
Although my foe were set with poisonous darts 
As close as quills on a porcupine, not less 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 177 

My passion would upon him. Ah ! those limbs 
That moved so proudly, they are mangled now 
To utter shapelessness. That bosom grand 
Which so defied the world is torn and hacked 
To invite the maggots sooner. And that brow 
Which would have scorned the very crown it 

wore 
Had I let him live to wear it — now ye see 
That brow is hideous with frightful death. 
I will not lacerate his countenance; 
That shall remain for all to recognize, 
Knowing that it is Nirus thus debased 
And shamed eternally. Hark! footsteps come! 

[Goes out, but immediately returns. 
A false alarm ! Now he is low indeed 
And has no virtue. Can that face now flush 
At any coarseness, or become more pale, 
Or change its aspect till the hand of death 
Blackens all into humus ? Ah ! I will shout 
All vileness in his ear; soon we shall see 
If still he have sufficient virtue in him 
To bring an anguish to these eyes that stare, 
Glazed into horror. What though I always failed 
To make him grovel? He held out while he 

could ; 
But now he yields. In one dread moment's time 
He falls in ashes. My decay has come 
More gradual. I have let my nature sink 
More easily and gracefully ; and death 
Will not be such a shock. He's viler now 
Than had he sinned. The dead thing's far below 
The very brutes. We were so much more wise 
To recognize our station, nor disown 
The kindred dust. Whenever we resist 
Surrounding chaos, we can only add 
One more discordant element to swell 



178 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

The vast confusion. Every lovely thing, 
Each harmony divine, only augments 
The roaring chaos. Ha! a form approaches! 
Let me escape! [Goes out, and then re-enters. 

Again am I deceived! 
My senses fail me ! I alone am true, 
And he disloyal. Truth he taught to me 
That himself abides not by. Reason he preached, 
In place of faith, and yet clandestinely 
Reserved one strenuous faith to save himself 
In defiance of his reason, still reserved 
Unreasoning faith in virtue, and refused 
To stand by me when I would be consistent 
By making vice my ethics. Why did he lure me 
From my strong tower, the stable centuries, 
That center-rooted rock whose firm support 
No earthquake can unfix? Curses upon him! 
Why did he rob me of the guardianship 
Of the great paternal past? Did he suppose, 
When he had ruined the authority 
Of hoary eld, that maxims of a day 
Would check my unyoked impulse? 

Nothing less 
Than flames of hell, licking across the void, 
Like tongues of hungry wolves, with fearful 

menace, 
Could fright that passion silent. Fierce revenge, 
Be thou exultant. See how poor lies here 
He that looked loftily, and now is thrust 
Lower than reptiles ! Hasten, pitying Time, 
Hider of shame ; roll round a few more months, 
Till he shall be no more repulsive thing 
Than the odorless clay. Let all the dupes ap- 
proach 
That warship him, and put him hastily 
Out of their loathing sight! Ah! how I pray 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 179 

That they may not discover him for weeks, 
And then come on him in a gorgeous train 
Of pride and pomp! Such punishment is fit 
For them that violate their natural state 
By striving to be upright. What are they 
But mere excrescences of this vile earth 
That try to shine like stars? This man I slew 
Has taunted me with his heroic life 
That I knew was false, because so contrary 
To all our human destiny. I choose 
The life more rational, although it jar 
With sensibility. Ha! is he slain? 
I hate him now no longer ; hate, indeed, 
Calls loud for blood, but soon is satisfied, 
And then is passive. Now 'tis done at last, 
And I'm at peace. How simple an enterprise 
To take a life ! I'll end by slaying myself 
Before the moon shall wane. Goblins and devils ! 
[He ascends a thick-branched tree. Nirus and 
Cotaminus, in conversation, go by, accompanied 
by Melno. 

Ni. Destiny ruleth ; yet his human will, 
The child of destiny, but uttereth 
That larger will, till he is proudly free 
In the universe his home. He feels himself 
Not Nature's tool, but part of Nature's being, 
Harmonious with her purpose. 
Mel. The very words 

I said myself only the other day 
When Myron and I were rubbing down our 

nags. 
Co. Will you hold your tongue? 
Mel. I didn't mean any harm. 

[They pass on. Phinon descends. 
Phi. Nirus himself goes by, he that I slew! 
Have I made a spirit of my mortal foe, 



180 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

Strong to revenge with tortures brought from 

hell, 
Himself invulnerable? Is't Nirus yonder? 
Or is it I ? Uncanny is my life, 
To be thus multiplied. I shall not dare 
To look on any face, lest I may find 
My own blood-curdling features sent to mock 

me. 
Ah ! what convulsion has rent up my soul 
Into so many fragments ? Part of myself 
I miss most poignantly ; my virtue's gone, 
Wandering bodiless, an eccentric soul, 
Or occupying some more blessed form 
Made in my image. Nirus did I see? 
And is he double? Can he thus divide, 
To multiply my task ? So much I hate him, 
I'd have him sprout like the Hydra to renew 
The joy of his killing. Wonderful his resem- 
blance 
To Nirus and me ! But Nirus is out of the prob- 
lem; 
Fll vouch for Nirus ; the houris of Paradise 
Couldn't kiss him awake. 

A W orkingman rushes by shrieging. Phinon 
runs out in another direction. Nirus, Cotaminus 
and Melno hasten back. 
Ni. Oh, Phinon, Phinon! 
Co. No, 'tis one disguised. 

Ni. 'Tis the actor, Mira's brother. Melno, go 
Bring Victor, and the proper officers. 
Mel. You honor me with such a high commis- 
sion, 
To the great Victor from still greater Nirus. 

[Exit. 
Ni. Ah! he has personated me tonight, 
In this disguise going through all my life 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 181 

In one short evening, reaching the final scene, 

Sooner than I do. Does he die for me ? 

By my foe's hand, perchance ? I feel, my friend, 

That I have died by proxy, that this pain, 

And this unspeakable indignity 

Are mine, not his. Ah ! I am vulnerable. 

Co. He was our greatest actor. 

Ni. And a man 

©f upright character. 

Co. No other actor 

Has yet succeeded with this noble play 

That celebrates your fame. The others all 

Are hooted from the stage ; and he alone, 

Whose solemn earnestness and dignity 

Make a religion of the mimicry, 

Is heard with joy and eager applause. 

Melno enters from behind. 
Ni. This sight 

Enforces what I said a moment past, 
When that fearful cry appalled us. 'Tis for us 
To glory in the nobleness we win, 
Not as our own, but as a light divine 
That plays a moment o'er our mortal brows 
To evidence itself, and so by chance 
Renders us beautiful, until again 
It passes on to others, leaving us 
Invisible and cold. 

Co. Tis true. 

Mel. Why, yes! 

That's what I always said to my good woman. 
Co. Well, fool! Where's Victor? 

Victor and Officers enter. 
Mel. Here he comes. He's a hero, 

And bears up bravely. 
Vic. Only an hour ago 



182 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

I saw him sound and well. I walked here with 

him 
After the play. 

Mel. How fortunate it is 

That you were with him, you of all the world ! 
It must have been a comfort when he died 
To know that he had seen you. 
Ni. Melno, peace! 

Where shall we have him borne ? To your home, 

Victor? 
Mel. Why, yes ! Where else ? 
Vic. Not there — on Mira's account. 

Co. To my house, then. 
Mel. Why, yes! the very place! 

VIII. Phinon and Cotaminus. 
Phi. Now to prove, 

As I have been asserting, that the crime 
Was done by Victor's hand. 
Co. Have you procured 

Evidence ample? 

Phi. Men of such repute, 

So numerous support us that a jury 
Is likely to convict him. Do your part, 
And the issue is certain. 
Co. Sir, do not forget 

That, being the judge, and not the prosecutor, 
I shall maintain my attitude impartial, 
And follow the evidence strictly. 
Phi. I understand 

The situation fully, and I thank you, 
As one fiend thanks another. Do you fancy 
I'd have you show yourself a partisan, 
To vitiate the verdict? Nothing I ask 
That can sully your ermine. I ask but that you 
show 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 183 

No fear or favor. I myself can answer 
For the part of the accusation. Let them howl 
At their vice-god's sudden peril. In the court 
They'll sink into gasping silence, not one voice 
To tell me I lie, or thwart me in revenge, 
Or foil your primacy. Then will I speed 
To the deepest sea, and plunge me headlong 

down 
To drench the memory out. [Exit. 
Co. Ugh! how I loathe him! 

The fellow seems quite desperate enough 
To have done the deed himself. — Merciful 

heavens ! 
That man of mine who came home raving mad, 
And now, confined, keeps shrieking with white 

lips 
About three Niruses, one running fast 
With bloody knife, another lying dead, 
And still another, he accompanied 
By two vile horned devils ; if he now 
Were sane enough to testify, who knows 
But he might change the verdict? 

IX. The Senate. 
President. The time has now arrived, as you 

recall, 
Fixed for a weighty subject. We discuss 
Our future government, if we prefer 
Republic, or if monarchy. To-day 
Do we decide what further we desire 
That Nirus serve us, whether as late proposed 
He shall be now rewarded with the throne 
Of this new empire. 

1st Sen. If I have permission 

To correct the statement, not for his reward, 
Who needs no guerdon, but for our salvation, 



1 84 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

Who need his guidance, patriots now propose 

The imperial honor. It may be, indeed, 

That he will not accept. He knows not yet 

Of this new proposition. There is doubt 

Of his approval. Still, at duty's call 

I trust he'll not repulse us, but be gracious 

To our appeal. 

2nd S. He must, he must! 

yd S. Beware! 

If he were a winged angel, we might shrink 

From tempting him thus. 

4th S. If he were a very devil, 

Such consecration well might make him earnest 

And higher-thoughted. 

2nd Sen. Anything for a king 

But the imbeciles of the past! 

yd S. No king at all, 

Not even great Nirus, though I honor him 

Beyond all men ! Though he crown all history, 

'Twere better slay him outright than awake 

That fierce fire of ambition in his breast, 

Kinghood's high passion, planted in our veins, 

Like manhood's vigor, for beneficent 

And fruitful services, and yet endowed 

With energy so terrible that nothing 

Save mediocrity can save the statesman 

From ruining his country and himself 

With that great madness. 

$th S. Madness well you say 

Of one whose eccentricities fall short 

But little of that state. 

6th S. Pray, on what ground 

Base you that calumny? Does he converse 

With shapes invisible, beholding fiends 

In the blank air? Or does he fail to see 

What other men behold ? Does he look awry, 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 185 

Seeing some objects crooked? Do his senses 

Ever mislead him, so that he disputes 

With other men's perceptions ? Pray, what then ? 

He is peculiar, does not wear his cap 

According to the standard, does not wink 

In concert with the burghers, absents himself 

iFrom social muster-days, forgets to smile 

When senators make puns. Ah ! certainly 

His Genius leads him into desert paths, 

And great emotions do contort his face 

Incongruous with its fellows, and his lips 

Wear not the current sneer. Do you demand 

From that deep brow a pretty social simper, 

As shallow as a pebble-bottomed brook's, 

From that great brow which globes eternally 

Oceanic depths of thought? Nay, rather say 

Thought soul-deep, at all angles raying forth 

Indefinite, a vast sphere-universe. 

Tis true, alas ! our Nirus takes no part 

In weather-senates, or in tournaments 

Of repartee. Thank God, he does not mingle 

Among the harlequins ; yet he retires 

For no uncanny purpose, for no converse 

With fiends and phantoms. He retires to live 

A soul's own life ; and even you marketers, 

If ever you grow sane and serious, 

And know a tranquil passion, you will feel 

The fellowship of Nirus ; you will find 

Our Nirus not eccentric, but yourselves 

And all your generation, who depart 

From central truth, and wander aimlessly 

Amid the coarse conventions. 

$th Sen. He's a skeptic. 

Shall such a man be seated on our throne, 

To make us all turn heathen ? 

?th Sen. Ha! the gods, 



i86 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

May they not scorn each other, yet demand 
The worship of the world? We have no vote 
In their morality. 'Tis ours alone 
To bow before their glory. Such a man 
Has quite outgrown the time of worshipping, 
Ready himself to be worshipped; majesty 
Higher than goodness. All those human blots 
That hide the nobleness of lesser lives 
Are but as dots on his world-ample brow. 
The breath of being such a man derives 
From another god than ours ; his entity 
Is not our own. 'Tis something after all 
That he has not a moment been beguiled 
By these tongued heretics ; them he repulsed 
As much as us. 

Sth S. Alas ! how piteous 

To see that earnest man's appealing eyes, 
Seeking in vain some mission ! A great pain 
Out from the depths of his forlorn priesthood 
Slow-gathers o'er his face. Yes ; it is sad, 
But calls for no apology from us 
Whose faith is vowed to Nirus and to God, 
And who believe that God is far too good 
Not to admire and love a man like Nirus ; 
For God is a profound and earnest spirit, 
Who thinks high thoughts, and lives for noble 

ends, 
And loves high-minded men, and is not vain 
To hear the clamorous plaudits of the world, 
Like a mere politician, or men's thanks, 
Like a frail human parent. I suppose 
When men kneel down and utter long praise- 
speeches, 
As if he were unable to hear thought, 
He listens lovingly and tenderly, 
And thinks he has good children after all, 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 187 

Despite their little errors; still I fancy 

That God could live without such things. I 

fancy 
He is more pleased to see men grown mature, 
Able to help him in his benefactions. 
That spirit is most precious in God's sight 
Who takes God's gift of manhood most devoutly, 
And guards that sacred fragment of the godhead 
Most tenderly and purely. God, perchance, 
Prizes no whit the less our hero's worship 
For its noble blasphemies. What if our God 
Be large of heart himself, magnanimous, 
Like a great man, well-pleased when noble souls, 
Even in their adoration, stand erect 
Not undefiantly, with haughtiness, 
Responsive to his own? 

gth S. Creeds are no more 

Than garments of our thought, not more than 

dress 
Authoritative to establish rank 
Or prove the heart. An earnest mind retains 
Through all the wide vicissitudes of creed 
Its high direction. Who but envies Nirus 
His triumph in the test of outlawry? 
Whene'er society deprives a man 
Of all its recognition and protection, 
Dissolving the old covenantal bonds 
With the individual, and by such affront 
Annuls his obligations, then his conduct 
No more restrained, no more directed then 
By influence conventional, reveals 
What spirit's in him. I envy Nirus, truly, 
His attitude unique. We may be led 
By hope or fear. The world can never know 
How lofty are our motives. But here's Nirus, 
Who has no hope or fear, still keeping the way, 



1 88 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

Among the foremost ; proving to all ages 

That love of good impels him. 

$th S. Ah, indeed! 

I have no doubt that he considered this, 

When he chose his course. Hypocrisy unique, 

A sanctimonious infidel ! 

6th S. Of course 

You are resentful that a man is found 

Practicing Sabbath virtues all the week, 

To cheapen your own piety. If God, 

Supposing God there be, should undertake 

To let our Nirus into heaven, will you 

Cast an opposing ballot, nor consent 

To his admission ? Oh ! I know that you 

Compose the aristocracy of faith ; 

And we are doubtless outcasts from the pale 

Of all religious circles, nor belong 

To you of the elite. We poor plebeians 

Are only boors, and pay but slight regard 

To recognized conventions used in worship. 

We who care not to enter society, 

And so continue still outside your Cult, 

Are quite unfashionable. Oh, yes, indeed ! 

We are entirely unpresentable 

In fine religious drawing-rooms. And yet 

I cannot help believing that we know 

As well as you the fine amenities 

Of love and of devotion, are not less 

Familiar with the natural etiquette 

Appropriate to spirits. If in truth 

You do consign us to the dread Gehenna 

Of your disapprobation, we will find 

In hell itself a home and sanctuary, 

And have the flowers of truth and love and faith 

And reverence blooming there, an oasis 

Even there amid the desert. We will scorn, 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 189 

Scorn and defy you, whether bitterly 

You cry against us, or, compassionate, 

Look curious upon us, as it were 

Tapping your foreheads, the only charity 

Permitted by your creed. Yes, we are outlawed, 

Though in this desolation and denial 

We find our consecration ; and our priest, 

Our Nirus pure with pain, who long ago 

Renounced the world in that great sacrifice 

Of human brotherhood, when he left hope 

And chose the desert, Nirus, our pure saint, 

Is sadder than to need your suffrages 

Or your approval. This day's great decision 

Can not affect him. Now we cast our votes 

For a sublime idea, not for Nirus. 

We have no hope to temper the dread glory 

On the face of Nirus, with vivacious gleams 

Of worldly eagerness. He is beyond 

Our hopes and our ambitions. Not for him, 

But for ourselves and you, do we aspire 

To this our new ideal, to behold 

A nation's consecration. 

4th S. Must we listen 

To rant that never ends upon a theme 

Wholly irrelevant? Not five here present, 

Though he worshiped a whole Pantheon, would 

suppose him 
A whit more qualified. I make appeal 
To the President to limit this debate 
To legitimate topics. 

Pres. Pray, confine discussion 

To the question of public policy. 
6th S. I yield 

To my laconic colleague. He'll not fail 
To speak to the point. 
4th S P Make an exception now 



tqo DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

In history's latest law. Suspend awhile 
The sovereignty of the people. Raise we Nirus 
To the throne of the world, that so may be re- 
newed 
The dull historic page, that mighty poets 
May be again called forth, and the land be filled 
With oratoric glory, till we prove 
That heavenly genius, not yet obsolete, 
Waits only for the call of lofty deeds, 
That all the maiden beauty of the world 
Sleeps ever youthful, waiting to be roused, 
Waiting some touch of ancient chivalry 
To revive the blush of life. Ah ! break we now 
The great rule of equality. Let Nirus 
Be now developed. As we saw unfold 
His intellectual powers, no less completely 
Let now his power in action be expanded 
To its full natural glory. This is the hero 
To whom the piety of all our race 
Has evermore aspired ; no deity 
With startling claims and miracles' attest 
And largess of high gifts ; only a man, 
A common man in whom our shapeless passions 
Fuse into sacred symmetry, a mesh 
For the spiritual breath of life, our vulgar hues 
Blent in the white of manly dignity, 
Our pitiful noises grown harmonious 
To join the spheric music. 

$th S. You that have spurned — 

4th S. Am I interrupted? 
$th S. Only a question, please. 

'Twill furnish you with a text. 
4th S. Pray, briefly, then, 

Let us hear the question. 

*th S. You, sir, that have spurned 

The heaven -blest claims of legitimate royalty, 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 191 

Why mock us with the title? Having ejected 
The anointed occupants from the temple-doors, 
Pray yield the sacred edifice to the flames, 
Nor transform it to a stable. I give my suffrage 
Against a spurious crown. Let all the world 
Behold our kingless state, and recognize 
The interregnum. 

4th S. How shall a patriot 

Hearing this speech, now doubt our need of 

Nirus 
To fill the vacant throne, and thus exclude 
Our plotting tyrants? 

$th S. O rash, deluded people, 

Thus to reject that one great house which gave 

us 
All the glory and pride of the past! 
4th S. For the sake of that past 

We hide from sight forever the disgrace 
Of a house once noble. 

$th S. Some temporary slip 

Of procreant nature will you magnify 
To a final decadence ? I tell you that this house. 
Except by accident, cannot produce 
Any but heroes. Childish petulance, 
Because of a flaw or two in the last impression. 
To smash the mold that gave us a hundred 

heroes, 
And can give a hundred more ! 
4th S. I tell you, sir, 

This house has lost the power of reproducing 
A kingly character. 

$tk S. Only try it again ; 

A single generation may suffice 
Te renew the glories of old. You must not 

crown 
This peasant prodigy, Nirus. Think you his race 



192 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

Can yield you monarchs ? You'll see a crown- 
prince soon 
Desert his throne to be keeper of the ale-house 
Where his cousins hiccough. 
4th S. Some recent royal princes 

Had won eulogium by so wisely gauging 
Their native endowments. Should we be de- 
prived 
Of prince so precious, we would seek again, 
Among the peasants one more prodigy 
Of Jesse's stock, wearing the aureole 
Of truth and wisdom on his innocent brow, 
Marking it for the crown. We'll serve hence- 
forth 
The man that's kingly himself, and not accept 
A caitiff again, though he boast a thousand 

grandsires 
That sat on the throne. 
6th S. If heirship you demand, 

Shall Varian's will be null? Who longer doubts. 
From the evidence now published, that he pur- 
posed, 
Should issue fail him, to adopt as heir 
The gifted Nirus, and exclude forever 
Beggarly Castux ? 

$th S. Ah ! the world hath seen 

Its noblest days, if blasphemy like this 
Against the royal blood can now find tongue. 
And men not blanch with horror. 
3rd S. O Liberty, 

O Liberty, what ignominious death 
O'ertaketh thee, when T, thy lowliest lover, 
Falter thus at thy name ! 
4th S. Sincere old man, 

You strive in vain to impede the splendid 
pageant 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 193 

Of this imperial epoch. 

i>rd S. Ah ! you desire 

Merely a splendid spectacle for men, 

Careless of one man's passion? Is it well 

That for the pastime of the multitude 

One man should perish ? Nirus, then, is worthy 

That you should place him as a gladiator 

Before the nations. Drag Apollo down 

To mutilating combat, that the world 

May see what gods are able to perform, 

Before they perish. Let that noble shape, 

With all its radiant and voluptuous life, 

Be bowed before you in the agony 

Of torture manifold, the fire of being 

Consumed away in one o'ertopping flame, 

Filling the world with momentary glow, 

And wasting out afar. 'T will soon be past, 

And you will then have spent a century's light 

In one huge conflagration ; and the dark 

Will gather o'er the earth. 'Tis true that Rome 

Would make a royal blaze ; and yet withhold 

The torch of Nero ; let those glorious towers 

Flash back the sunshine for a million years, 

Making a luminous circle on the earth 

Amid the darkness. This phosphoric life 

Unwasting gives its own effulgence forth 

Incessantly. Why this disastrous meddling 

That seeks to end it in a transient blaze 

Of violent glory? Let it still continue 

To send the radiance of its nature forth 

In luminous thoughts, each one a little flame, 

Caught midway in its flight and frozen there 

By spell of more than magic potency. 

4th S. What would yourself with Nirus? Do 

you wish 
That he shall be our poet, not our king? 



194 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

And would he thus escape? Would he the less 

Stoop to our service, or the less be spent 

For our delight? Shall he not be consumed, 

Being combustible? You cannot save him; 

The martyrdom of genius has involved him, 

A Titan figure for the tragic Muse 

To make her own forever. 

5//* S. Not a doubt 

But he is dramatic, posing night and day 

Upon the cothurns. 

4th S. Let us be heroic, 

Nor flinch from all the terror. Make we now 

A tragedy of Nirus, fit for angels, 

To exalt our trivial world. In these our days 

Passion is too diffused ; and half mankind 

Are grumbling abject in their peevish pangs, 

Whose throes had been most godlike, were they 

centered 
In some one Titan brow. Ah, Nirus, hasten! 
Our petty tragedies are but the prelude, 
Waiting thy adolescence, till thou come 
To gather in thy one heroic bosom 
The terror and the glory of the world. 
Like Winkelreid at Sempach. 
$th S. The brevity 

Of our eloquent brother, threatens once again 
To bankrupt time. 

4th S. I mean not to repress 

The speech of others, nor force a hasty vote 
Ere all are heard from. This inspiring topic 
Has touched our lips with unknown eloquence, 
And filled our souls with fire. When finally 
The occasion passes, we must all subside 
To our wonted torpor. 'Twere a robbery 
Of history and art and the shining page 
Of oratoric glory to curtail 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 195 

This memorable debate. Therefore I move 

Adjournment till tomorrow. 

$th S. I desire 

To second the senator's motion. 

Pres. Those approving 

The motion to adjourn may manifest 

Their affirmation. 

Senators. Aye! Aye! Aye! 

Pres. Opposed, 

The contrary response. The senate, therefore, 

Adjourns until tomorrow. 

X. Nirus. 
Ni. All the great dreams of youth are now 

fulfilled 
In splendors multiplied. The things I wished 
Are one by one now granted at the close, 
When all have been renounced, and never more 
Can do me good, except to solemnize 
And give me inspiration. Henceforth, now, 
All outer states become mere parables, 
Mere fables with a moral. 

Cotaminus enters. 

Ah! you come 
To receive my answer to my people's call. 
Co. Nirus, resist that voice. The world is wild 
For mere sensation. Here's but luxury, 
And not a holy worship. Men will tire 
Of common rapture, and will find delight 
In your despairing anguish, as they now 
Find in your radiant gladness. They desire 
Uninterrupted pageantry. At last 
A tragedy alone can satiate. 
They raise your seat to please themselves. Again 
Twill suit them to down-hurl the glorious 

throne, 



196 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

In utter desolation, while they howl 

Most gleefully to see their god beneath 

Lie mangled in the ruins of his state. 

Ni. So let it be. There is no voice from heaven 

To give me guidance ; let my brethren, then, 

Be prophets to me, let my soul decide 

By its own thrilling when the word is uttered. 

'Tis not a trivial pride that makes me bound 

To meet the glory ; 'tis the sacred passion 

Of my own priesthood in me. If, in truth, 

An ending so disastrous must ensue, 

I shun it not ; I need not lose my soul ; 

And I would gladly lose all other things 

'For the sake of this great glory. All things else 

One must give for it, since 'tis poetry, 

And has that penalty. Although I nerish, 

Although the halo scorches whom it crowns, 

Yet I would be illumined. Even as they 

That undertook the service of the cross 

Must lose all joy, and sacrifice for aye 

The hope of love, and all the world's delight, 

So every soul that serves humanity 

On any nobler plane must undergo 

Such discipline as turns away all hope 

Of aught except the sacred offices 

Of that high mission. He must be a ruin, 

With desolation looking from his eyes, 

Where hope once shone, and human eagerness ; 

And I do wish that I were such a ruin, 

With poets gathered round me solemnly, 

And wandering harpers hymning at the shrines ; 

That all the petty world-utility 

Were gone from me, and I were consecrated 

In poesy's perpetual holiday, 

As Rome's great ruins, which now, Caesar-like, 

Their history complete, are glorified, 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 197 

No longer mundane, but ethereal. 
Ah! I invite the terror; I accept. 
Co. Shall I return that answer, then? 
Ni. Ah, yes! 

I fervently accept. [Exit Cotaminus. 
Ha! savage glory, kinghood's passion fierce, 
Primeval flame, demonic ecstacy ! 
Exultant feel I now within my veins 
Thy splendid tumult, which I fondly fancied 
Was all refined away. Thou heaven-sent spark 
Of diabolic force, thou perilous, 
Fierce benefaction, I surrender me 
To all thy matchless riot. Make me now 
One conflagration of divine ambition, 
To overawe the ages. Lo! where stands 
This virgin empire, waiting tremulous 
The sweet subjection. Let her not repent 
Ere every vein be filled with me, and she, 
A wild Bacchante, lose forevermore 
Her own identity to form with me 
A rich, imperial world. Cotaminus 
Shall be my chief adviser, born and bred 
For second in the empire. Were I now 
Utopia's monarch, I might choose, indeed, 
A man more spiritual, more scrupulous, 
And less unfeeling. Ruling here on earth, 
I choose an earth-born minister, whose con- 
science 
Knows but one precept, to maintain the honor 
Of his own sagacity, by utterance, 
Blunt and straightforward, of the visions seen 
By that clairvoyant foresight. He and I 
Shall each to each supply deficiency, 
Making a unit. Ah, Cotaminus ! 

Cotaminus enters, accompanied by the Sen- 
ate, and a Multitude. 



198 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

Co. [to the people.] When we have done, sing 

the prophetic song 
Of Nirus in his youth. — Nirus, our chief. 
The Senate and the people here attend 
To make you emperor of our triple realm. 
The people choose you, and the people's senate 
Give you this crown. We that were sovereign 

once 
Are in your power. The state has chosen freely, 
But having chosen she can not revoke 
Her solemn choice. You are selected now 
For better or for worse. Be merciful, 
And make us happy. Let your lofty mind 
Pierce ray-like into every lowliest home, 
And brighten kindred features till their glance 
Meet in new fervor. Let your skeptic justice 
Temper our over-passionate devoutness, 
And interpose protection to us all, 
One from another. Now defend us all, 
And yet restrain us. We are full of hope, 
And look to see a long and glorious reign. 
The monarch who so sits upon the throne, 
And wields the scepter so, so wears the crown, 
Is God's anointed, and by right divine 
Assumes the majesty, waving aside 
All imbecile throne-fillers in his way, 
To bring back royal dignity once more. 
Our late republic was the regency 
That gladly gave the power up to you 
When the time came. When such a man appears. 
New dynasties begin, and history 
Takes a new start. Peasants that otherwise 
Would only grovel worm-like in the furrows, 
Or grow as weeds, impoverishing the soil, 
Tower grandly up to glorify the earth. 
Touched by that majesty. How great our lot, 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 199 

To see time young, and watch the heroes spring 

At the magic voice of genius, from the dust, 

And strive together in voluptuous death, 

Ecstatic with their own mortality, 

Until that glorious passion calms itself, 

And hymning peace descends upon mankind, 

And earth is fruitful with illustrious lives ! 

Not warriors only, but exalted seers 

Will come from out the circle of great souls, 

Attracted by such deeds. The earth will be 

A gathering-place for lofty natures now, 

And thou shalt be their august emperor. 

Ni. In her presence ! — Sincerely have I tried 

To root out all importunate desires 

Of natural ambition and to choose 

My destiny dispassionately. Today 

Bewildered I accept what you bestow. 

Not knowing whether I am right or not, 

Until the issue. Should I deprecate, 

As if reluctant to your glorious call, 

I were not then sincere. So much in life 

Brings us reproach and mocks our aspiration, 

That all men yearn for honoring investments, 

For such adornments of exalted rank 

As befit the soul, and hide the calumnies 

Of temporal circumstance. How fervently, 

Taking this consecration of the state, 

I choose henceforth a briefer, sadder life 

For the sake of its glorious impulse and high 

service ! 
I recognize the needs of our Talinis, 
And accept her as she is, to give her strength, 
And fit her for her nobler destiny. 
I am the people's regent, and but rule 
Till they attain their growth. I wait with you 
To see the great republic of the future. 



200 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

Song. 
I would be kingly ; I would wear a crown 
Of regal or poetical renown, 
To pour its splendor o'er my many a shame, 
Hiding me wholly in a blaze of fame. 

Oh ! I would have it in the social hour, 
To flood around me in a radiant shower, 
Investing me within my neighbors' sight, 
To make me unreal, soul-like in its light. 

And when I love and offer up my soul, 
Then I would have it as an aureole 
To re-enforce my poverty's disgrace, 
Helping me bear love's glory face to face. 

Oh ! when I come to that terrific hour, 
I would bring something glorious as a dower, 
Concentering in my world-illumined face 
The dignity and grandeur of the race. 

No groveling passion then were in my heart ; 
No bliss plebeian should I then impart ; 
An empire's transport then were mine to give. 
The centered majesty of all that live. 

Bright sun of heaven, look down upon my face, 
My poor, dull form, and cover them with grace, 
Luminous from thy disk; O sun of fame, 
Now radiate thy light and hide my shame. 

XI. Court-room. Citizens conversing, 
ist C. Ah, brother, brother! 

We have our hero. 

2nd C. You care not for the man, 

Nor show him mercy. Your hero you destroy 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 201 

Without one qualm of conscience, that great soul 

Whom I, too, reverence, not a common hero 

For street-hurrahings. Though reluctantly 

I went to see him crowned, I came away 

Better for that great vision. Wonderful 

Even to the eye is Nirus. His great presence 

Is stately as an oak of centuries, 

As all-embracing as a banyan-tree 

That shelters armies. He is of the spirits 

That make earth great among the circling orbs 

Of radiant star-worlds. Glorious despotism 

To take a feeble people from themselves, 

And make them conquerors of all the world, 

Lords of all history. Though the childish mob 

May fickly pass the most exalted by, 

And choose a pygmy for their guardian, 

Tis not so this time. He that they have crowned 

Is more than great. 

1st C. Ah ; I could not attend, 

And all my life 'twill be my deep regret 

That I have missed it. 

2nd C. Well, indeed, it may. 

Yet one ill omen startled all the throng, 

The haggard Phinon crouching in the rear, 

His face distorted with despair and hate, 

Looking like Nirus's degenerate ghost, 

Like a fiendish, grinning skeleton of Nirus, 

Renounced by the virtuous soul. 

J st C. Why did vou speak 

Of killing Nirus? 

2nd C. Look but in his face, 

A countenance where delicacy and strength 

Alternately prevail, as diamonds 

In scintillating give forth different hues 

To perplex beholders. Surely that rare nature 

Was never meant to rule material things, 



202 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

Nor yet be governed by them. His true realm 
Is in the world of thought. When you dis- 
covered 
That we had such a spirit in our midst, 
Why did you put it to so harsh a service ? 
Already he declines. 

Cotaniinus enters. 
Co. You spoke of Nirus ? 

His load is hard to bear, harder for him. 
Because he ever bears it all himself, 
Nor shares it with the fates. Whate'er he do, 
He blames his execution. Though his acts 
Are resolute and single, rarely wrong, 
Marred only by the necessary flaws 
In his material, still he has no peac^ 
Seeing the work imperfect.- 
yrd C. The diplomat 

Is off his guard. What miracle at length 
Has loosed the padlocked tongue ? 
4th C. Intoxication 

At a rival's downfall. 

3d C. Hush, you heretic! 

Incipient treason ! 

4th C. Hark, then, to the chit-chat ! 

1st C. And full of inspiration, — this great man 
Blessing the world with genius so exalted. 
Yet tortured so with doubt and self-distrust 
On his lonely height. Seeing the perfect work. 
We cannot know that it has given a pang 
To him that wrought it ; yet, while we extol. 
He hears not for the pain. Ah ! 'tis a sight 
Far too sublime for pathos. He is too godlike 
For a creature's pity. He agonizes there 
Upon the cross, while mortals such as we 
Worship below in rapture ! Ah ! our Nirus, 
We have thee in the snare ! Seldom, indeed, 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 203 

In boundless time hath Nature's skill succeeded 
In dropping thus her net of matter down 
Upon a full-grown angel, holding him fast 
For all the world's embraces, as we wrestle 
Like Israels with a captive Gabriel, 
All glorified with that pure spirit's anguish. 
2nd C. Yet still he triumphs. Though the flesh 

confines 
And tortures him, how he transfigures that 
Until he renders it a gloriole ! 
1st C. His was a sordid family; and coarse 
His first associates ; yet out of them 
He grew to nobleness. At first I saw him, 
A new soul in a ravening world, all round, 
Objects adapted to degrade each sense, 
Perverting it to evil ; natures fiendish 
Born to corrupt him, waiting his arrival, 
Fluent in language of the human heart 
For the purpose of seducing. In food and drink, 
In the very air was poison. Satan was ready, 
Ready at the very cradle-side to breathe 
In blasphemy the names of God and love, 
Before religion breathed them in a prayer. 
He would be lost if some one did not hasten 
To warn him and watch over him and guide. 
I sought him like a lover, sued in vain 
To win his confidence. I was repulsed, 
Not with unkindness, but with deep reserve. 
Not to be passed. His lot was solitude, 
Inviolate shrine ; and I, the officious one, 
Was quite excluded. Nirus remains today 
Still weird and solitary, awing all 
With grandeur of his timid, calm reserve, 
Yet not now inaccessible : he lives 
In solitude, but such a solitude 
As that of priests to whom all souls may come 



204 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

That stand in need of solace. Still he lives 

Without adviser, without comforter, 

Still his own monitor ; but now at last 

I can approach him in his exaltation 

Whose lowliness repulsed me. Not at ease 

Was he with men, so long as they appeared 

To be his equals ; now does he become 

Sweetest of friends, less haughty than in youth 

When he was poor and humble. He has risen 

To this position without bending once 

To court the world ; but having reached at last 

The pinnacle whence he can bend himself 

Nor seemi a servitor, relaxing now 

All his rigidity, he does not shrink 

From stooping in kindness. 

2nd C. Ah ! Cotaminus, 

What is this genius that so quickly dwarfs 

Your old nobility, and humbles kings 

To eagerest subjection ? When you pay 

These reverent tributes to plebeian genius. 

You seem to me to weaken the position 

Of aristocracy, advantaging 

The democratic heresy. 

Co. Ah, no! 

We all acknowledge the exalted genius 

As true aristocrat ; for he unites 

His separate ancestors within himself 

To form a house. Richly inheriting 

The qualities intense of all his fathers, 

He attains thereby to greatness. Thus in him 

These separate ancestors have been combined 

Into an ancestry. By some divine, 

Miraculous primogeniture, he joins 

All the attainments of his sires. He gives 

His family a history, and so 

Fully ennobles it. He demonstrates 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 205 

The greatness of his house by uttering 
Its latent powers, a race wherein was gathered 
Great passion unappeased, and hidden sin, 
And silent penitence, and woman's tears 
And yearnings, and sad youth's crushed aspira- 
tions, 
And crazed despair. All these accumulate 
Until no longer they can be restrained, 
Breaking forth some dread moment suddenly 
In mortal convulsions of one agonized, 
One grand, disastrous, brief and lawless life 
That scorches earth with fertilizing lava, 
And then subsides in fearful calm and silence 
Amid the awe of men. 

1st C. Ah! rightly, judge, 

You apprehend the character of genius, 
That glorious affliction ; you perceive 
Its mission to the past, its ministry 
Of uttering impassioned centuries 
In Sabbath melody. Thus common hearts 
Record their lonely lives. Though lacking 

speech 
For adequate expression of their thought, 
And for perpetuation of the feelings 
That oftentimes appear through wistful eyes, 
They yet combine and concentrate themselves 
Now and then in one scarce embodied voice, 
A voice that is a cry, a raving voice, 
All inconsistent from promiscuous, 
Importunate nerve-impulses that sweep 
In floods from generations long-repressed 
To find an utterance. In that voice we hear 
The broken-hearted moanings of pure youths 
Who, yearning high, were crushed so low. We 

hear 
The sacred prayers of woman's heart for love 



2o6 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

And home and rest. We hear the hopeless sobs 

Of wives that woke from dreams of maidenhood 

To find themselves profaned, still desolate, 

Denied all sympathy, still all unworshiped. 

We hear their groans that sinned in ignorance 

Or in some moment of delirium 

Made their whole future hopeless. Ah ! we hear 

All the excess and hope and piety 

Of all the dumb, unnoticed generations. 

Co. In this voice all these speak. The genius 

differs 
From common men only because in him 
Develop those hereditary germs 
Latent in other natures. He is an heir 
Completer of his ancestors. In him 
The deep past culminates. A family, 
Able no longer to endure the stress 
Of its great passions, finds an outlet thus, 
In tumult brief, until at last exhausted 
It sinks again to mediocrity, 
Peaceful and healthy. 
2nd C. These great histories 

To us that share their eras are the chief 
Of all our inspirations. 
ist C. Yes; to Nirus 

I owe my latest and my loftiest thoughts, 
As many younger men to that same source 
Can trace their nature's whole development. 
I heard the lyric morning of his life, 
A humble, unobtrusive melody, 
Unnoticed, save for nearness, 'mid the roar 
Of worldly noises, 'mid the thunderous rage 
Of vengeful cannon, 'mid the shrieking death 
Of raving monarchs, or the glorious burst 
Of royal wedding oratorios. 
Humble the lyric music of his youth, 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 207 

That low, sweet music, only now and then 
Distinguished by its nearness in the crash 
Of more obtrusive sounds. Yet year by year 
That life's harmonious meter drew more heed 
From every high-souled listener, every year 
Grew sweeter, stronger, fuller and more dread 
With meaning transcendental, till at last 
It burst in tragic chords of joy and pain 
Filling the utmost concave. 

Victor enters, in Melno's custody. 
Mel. I'm in luck. 

I never caged so big a bird before. 
I would as lief arrest a general 
As any other man that you can show me. 
Justice should not discriminate for rank. 
yrd C. Victor a murderer? Impossible! 
2nd C. Nay, I am not surprised. I always 

looked 
For some black revelation in his life : 
He was so silent. These deep, reticent men, 
Who hear not when addressed, and quickly tire 
Of courteous conversation, — men like him 
Are gathering in their bosoms storms of passion 
To break in a fearful tempest. 

The Court assembles. 
Co. Victor, the sentence, 

The solemn sentence of the outraged law 
Awaits you now. All justice has been done ; 
You have had counsel, witness, open trial, 
And our good wishes for your vindication. 
If you have aught to say now at the end 
That privilege is granted. 
Mel. Go on, judge ; 

He's mum as an oyster. 
Co. Let us, then, proceed ; 

When men of fame and popularity 



208 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

Commit great crimes, how seldom they are 

brought 
To retribution! For no soul suspects, 
And few are willing to suspect their heroes ; 
Few dare to risk the enmity of power, 
And all desire its favor; even law 
When great men are accused, will suddenly 
Begin to tangle, failing of its purpose. 
Till some convenient technical device 
Closes the trial. So we score a triumph 
In bringing this offender to account, 
Despite his famous name. No proof of guilt 
Could be more satisfying. Proof was brought 
Of an early feud. True, they were reconciled ; 
A marriage following made the foemen brothers, 
Till the quarrel seemed forgotten ; but alas ! 
How long hate smoulders! It was proved again 
That Victor on the evening of the murder 
Was seen by many following stealthily 
His brother-in-law. His conduct was suspicious 
After the deed. Moreover, if in truth 
We were assured that he had quite given up 
That ancient enmity, there still would be 
Good reason for suspicion ; in some freak 
The actor left the theater attired 
As in the play, disguised to represent 
The emperor himself ; and so perhaps 
Victor might think it Phinon, toward whom 
'Tis known he had a grudge. Nor were it 

strange 
If such a fierce ambition as 'tis known 
Victor possesses had impelled him even 
To assail the Empire's head. We all remember 
That Victor heard ungraciously the plan 
Of our new polity. We know besides 
That claiming kinship with our banished tyrants 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 209 

He long upheld their cause. Nor is this all : 

Two witnesses beheld the very act, 

And watched him leave the spot. I cannot think, 

As some aver, that rivals have conspired 

To ruin Victor with a perjury 

So daring and elaborate. 'Tis true 

That some who helped on Victor's prosecution 

Were his bitter foes; so much the better this 

For the cause of justice. Pray, how otherwise 

Would civic prudence venture to oppose 

The second of the Empire? This we know, 

That men of worth and standing have been here 

Among the witnesses — most upright men 

Whose word was ne'er impeached. No fear have 

I 
But justice has been done. Shall I, the judge, 
Shrink from mty duty, and permit this crime 
To pass without its meed? Slight cause for 

wonder 
That men grow fierce pursuing this deed, — 
Met. That's me! 

Co. All feeling in their own unshielded flesh 
The next knife-thrust! Is some one ever plot- 
ting 
Your death and mine? And whose turn next? 

Who dreamed 
Of such a deed by Victor? Dare we trust 
Our children or parents or our cradle-mates, 
Or our wedded consorts ? Will they not arise 
And stab us in our sleep ? To him I sentence 
I will not use harsh words. 'Tis hard, I know. 
To hold back from our fundamental dust. 
What constant strain to keep up in the heart 
Our forced soul-animation ! But alas ! 
That he who now has fallen should be of all 
Most noted for his piety. Henceforth 



210 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

Will men not feel that they are only mocked 
By those who call upon the name of God ? 
They will judge the hidden souls of men devout 
By this soul now revealed. In justice' name, 
In the name of mercy, in religion's name, 
By the Empire's laws, Victor, I sentence you 
To die the death. 

XII. Nirus. 
Ni. Ah! even our virtue grows monotonous. 
For man no peace, no triumph. Each success 
Is but an opportunity. Each triumph 
As soon as won grows commonplace. We stand 
With feet upon the field of victory, 
And find it tedious-stable. Underneath us 
Lie all our conquests, and we cannot feel 
A glory in them. The imperial robe 
Is cheap to him that wears it. 
Mir a enters. 

Mira, my friend! 
Mi. Oh ! do you think it possible for Victor 
To have done this deed ? He is as pure of hate 
As God's archangels. And he loved my brother 
And mourned his death. Oh! how can you 

conceive 
That one so god-like thoughtful could descend 
To brutal hatred? 

Ni Phinon ! Ah ! he fell ; 

Who else is safe ? 

Mi. So Victor is to die, 

My brother dead already, murdered both, — 
All Phinon's work. You saved me from hiin 

once; 
Will you not save my husband, and save me 
From his revenge, who bribed the witnesses, 
And roused their brutal jealousy of Victor, 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 211 

Because, though recent on the popular side, 

He stood most high in favor ? Are you, too, 

Jealous like them, fearing his rivalry? 

Ni. My dearest lady, honored of Talinis, 

I cannot think that question was sincere. 

Mi. The people all love Victor; they'll sustain 
you 

In his release ; 'twill make your power secure. 

Ni. I am no politician, and I choose 

Rather to lose my throne than pardon Victor 

Against my sense of right. 

Cotaminus enters. 

Mi. You'll not permit 

A deed so brutal. Not even tearless justice 

Could be so heartless. How were it possible 

For any gentle will to give consent 

To deed so hideous? 

Co. With a gentle nature 

We must needs be gentle; but when man com- 
mits 

Some act of brutal cruelty, we all 

Can easily be harsh and pitiless 

Dealing with him. 

Ni. Cotaminus, my friend! 

[Exit Cotaminus. 

Mi. O God, how frightful! He is more gentle 
far, 

More sensitive than I. If such a fate 

Is meet for him, pray, what can you devise 

More horrible for me ? Oh ! I deserve 

Less tenderness than Victor. 

Ni. Noble Mira, 

I will not strive to justify myself 

By mocking your loyal faith. Yet I change the 
sentence 

To imprisonment for life. 



212 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

Mi. And must I thank you 

For cruelty like this ? Ah, do your will ! 
Lock us in separate cells, till life that else 
Were glad and useful loses for us both 
All worth and gladness. Yet can you imagine 
That you will ever lock us up so close, 
Though in the very center of the earth, 
That we can not escape? Seeking" our cells 
Some day you'll find your passive victims gone, 
The doors secure as ever, and within 
Only a pale resemblance of us left, 
Mere shadows without life. So will you know 
That we are fled from all your cruelty; 
And you must own how hideous a deed 
You have been doing. 

Ni. Your woes oppress me, Mira ; 

I bear your burdens ; is the load for you 
Not therefore any lighter? Go home, Mira, 
And find a comfort in this milder doom. 
We will not desecrate the noble love 
Of such a woman ; never violent hand 
Shall touch the man loved thus. 
Mi. Go home, you say? 

Go home to whom ? My husband ? Or my chil- 
dren? 
God pity me ! You make me comfortless 
And desolate for life. [Exit. 
Ni. Was ever soul 

Yet so uplifted that it did not need 
Some other soul to warm it, perishing 
For lack of such a comfort ? Through this exile 
I am still honored like the king that rules 
The isle of lepers, or like him that holds 
His fearful sovereignty over Purgatory. 
Would I might be a little householder 
In some love-gladdened cottage by the sea, 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 213 

Where ease and duty might together dwell, 
And high ambition might not lose its grace, 
Translated to the clumsy speech of action. 
Then might my face wear freely its full love, 
Not masked in frowns, the slave of ugly jus- 
tice. 
Would I might be a scholar o'er his books, 
Bearing amid his studious dignity 
A ceaseless benediction. In the sage, 
Only in the sage is mercy absolute.. 
Flooding the features ; in the magistrate 
'Tis but a pitying radiance to render 
The brow of Justice less unbearable, 
Adding a priesthood to the headsman's office. 
Men think me cold. They do not dream what 

pain 
I find in this stern office. They know not 
That when one towers above the heads of men, 
As rugged as a mountain, and as still, 
'Tis but the surging passions in his breast 
That swell amain and hurl him to that height. 
Nor let him be so unheroical, 
So inaccordant with his kingly state, 
As to spurn this glory. Let him tower in gloom, 
And bear the freezing snows upon his brow, 
And feel the prisoned fire within his heart, 
Rather than miss this diadem of stars, 
Or lose his function of condensing ever 
All nature's blessings into prosperous clouds 
To pour in showers upon the homes of men. 
Oh ! I am never hesitant to choose 
To have missed the dear companionship of Ena, 
And even God's paternal realness, 
Rather than choose to miss my heroship. 

XIII.l Victor's Cell. Victor, Mir a, Melno. 



2i 4 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

Vic. Ah! Mira, if your child had only lived 

I might be comforted; for I could hope 

That you would not be wholly desolate 

The rest of life. 

Mi. The little creature breathed, 

Just drew a tender breath ; then I was childless. 

And desolate indeed. 

Vic. I would my birth 

Had been so fortunate. O Mira, Mira ! 

How many deeds I promised you to do, 

Surpassing common men, bringing the world 

To prove it with applause. That promise, now, 

Too rashly given, I repudiate, 

A crestfallen braggart; for my brother-men 

Forbid me to be noble ; from a king 

They change me to a cobbler. So behold, 

I'm nothing but a cobbler ; and my work 

Is mocked at by the fellows of my shame, 

The loathsome human vermin. 

Mi. Victor, my love, 

We'll end this shameful wrong ; the world shall 

know 
That every honor which you won is vile, 
And you and I despise it, 'tis so base 
Compared with your exalted destiny, 
With all your inner greatness, and the fame 
That you must yet achieve. 
Vic. If I had marble, 

After long years of pain and disappointment, 
I could work my soul's conceptions out of that, 
Contriving still to give embodiment 
To what is in me, though the plastic globe 
Were kept from my impassioned hand. But now 
What fine ideal may a plowman's shoe 
Serve to embody? What is a regal mind 
Without material? Go, Mira, go; 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 215 

I am no more thy husband ; I am a cobbler. 

Mi. O my poor Victor, my sweet love, is love 

So little tender that 'tis thus profaned 

With these unpitying indignities? 

Vic. Were I a poet, I might live my life, 

Defying every hindrance. But alas ! 

I am not independent like the poet, 

Able to weave bright phantasms in mid air. 

Like an unpeopled, undiscovered world 

Useless must I remain. I cannot live 

For centuries, until these prison-walls 

Crumble around me, letting me go free 

To renew my task. My opportunity 

Is fleeting swift ; and he that otherwise, 

With unencumbered hand, had swayed the globe 

Must hide himself in a mere crevice of it, 

Made mortal by disappointment. 

Mi. Hope we! sorrow, 

Sorrow and death make spirits of us all. 

Vic. I dread not, Mira, to lose the sense of life. 

But to live thus, feeling the sacredness 

Of life profaned within me, unennobled 

With lofty effort. On the field of war 

To die mightily, that were indeed divine ; 

Let me not live on thus. 

Mi. The regal nature 

Shall not be silenced till its will be published 

To the bounds of the solar system ; and that will. 

When known at last, is sure to be obeyed 

Though Alps obstruct. Will not all creatures 

know, 
Through all disguise, their rightful sovereign, 
And be obedient all ? Through them at large 
He will accomplish what, restrained of body, 
He cannot do himself. 'Tis sovereignty 
To do by others what can not be done 



216 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

Without the aid of others. Do not fear; 
The noble principles of government 
That you have championed will yet prevail, 
Though you are kept from action. 

ACT FIFTH. 

/. Jail. Victor, Mira, Melno. 
Mi. Farewell, Victor! 

Vic. Mira, Mira ! come back ! Will you call her ? 

Mira! 
Melno goes out, and returns with Mira. 
Why came you not? 
Mi. I heard not. 

Vic. Did not hear ? 

How could you help? 'Tis likelier far, I fancy, 
You did not wish to hear. So eager were you 
To reach the freer air? Ha! one would think 
A wife might linger here so brief a time, 
And then go out among the flowers and trees, 
And feel no hardship. 

Mi. Dearest, have I not pleaded 

To share your cell ? And though forbidden this, 
Am I not still a prisoner? I leave not 
My cheerless room except to visit you ; 
And on the dreary way I never see 
Either the trees or flowers. I only think 
Of your great misery, and our ruined hope, 
Till scarcely can I find my way for tears. 
Vic. They have at last their will, who put me 

here, 
Wishing to see me grovel. I am fallen, 
Am fallen indeed, to speak thus unto Mira, 
My queen and saint. 

Mi. Victor, my king of men, 

My hero on whose head the great world's wrath 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 217 

Has fallen so fierce, how patient you have been ! 
How good and gentle! You have been trium- 
phant, 
And are and will be ! Do not weep, my love ; 
Or if thou wiltfi anoint my bosom now 
With these thy tears. Let me sit close beside 

thee, 
And be a comfort to thee. What shall I do? 
Shall I not sing? 

Vic. Yes ; sing, dear, if you like, — 

Anything, Mira, so I have your presence. 
Mi. [Sings. 

Not for me the strong endeavor ; 

Not for me the civic worth ; 

Not for me the mighty lever 

That shall heave the balanced earth ; 

Not for me the royal duty 
With its gloriole of pain ; 
Not for me the dreadful beauty 
Of the Age's martial train ; 

Not for me the trumpet sounding ; 
Not for me the clarion tone : 
How all other hearts are bounding ! 
I am silent here alone. 

We, the weary, worn, and dying, 

Are released from every care ; 

In the quiet shadow lying, 

All our duty is to bear. 
Vic. O poets who are living on the earth, 
Or who are absent from it, were it sweet 
To know the good that ye have done to Victor? 
The tearful thanks of one whose heart is touched 
Are far more precious than the cold applause 



218 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

Of the careless multitude. With tears I bless 

you 
Who soothe the dying anguish of my life, 
And take away my shame, and make me feel 
A soul's true dignity. 

Mi. O Victor, Victor, 

I would that Nirus had remained a poet, 
Breathing these boons of rhythmic sympathy, 
Like embraces of pity. How he now descends 
To let himself be made an instrument 
Of jealous politicians ! Oh ! I feel 
The air is not so bracing, and the stars 
Not so ethereal since our poet fell, 
Ceasing to bless us with those songs devout 
That I and Ena waited eagerly 
And sang together, giving glad response 
With our own pulse-beat to each sacred throb 
Of the noble poet's heart. We sang no songs 
But those of Nirus. Was 't Nirus that she loved, 
Dying of grief that she had given her word 
Unto another, and could not withdraw 
Her hand from Phinon's and devote her life 
In cloistered secrecy before the shrine 
Of this high, unattainable poet-nature? 
But I, the while we sang, thought but of Victor. 
Each sacred rhythmic prayer made vivider 
Great Victor's noble image. Ah ! I too 
Aspired to glories inaccessible ; 
And I had died, too, had not Victor come, 
Exalting me even to this peerless state 
Of Victor's wife. 

Mel. Well, now, it's time for me 

To eat my dinner, and for Victor here 
To go to work. The last shoes that you made, 
Victor, were worst of all. You have required 
So many years to learn your trade, and still 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 219 

Do not yet know it ? Great men soon are tested, 
When they have to earn their bread. 

//. The Jail. Melno and Mira at the Cell- 
door. Victor within. 

Vic. O Mira, Mira, I had never thought 
That you would doubt. 
Mi. I doubt not. This being true, 

What care you for the injustice of the world? 
Vic. You do believe me guilty ; I detect it 
In your face and actions. Not one friend is 

left me 
In all this brutal world. 

Mi. My dearest husband, 

What cruel enchantment of our enemies 
Has roused this fancy? I indeed mistrust 
All but my God and Victor ; but these two 
I trust with equal faith. 
Vic. You shall be gone; 

The blood of kings is flowing in my veins, 
And I will not submit to ignominy. 

[Cell-door closed. Exit Melno. 
Mi. Ah, Victor! I have lost thee for awhile, 
But not forever. Patient will I wait 
To the end of time. I love, I love, I love, 
Nor have ever loved before ! Sorrow and joy 
Are love's two passionate arms, and mighty 

indeed 
Is their embrace. I love, I love, I love! 
When he we love has lost the power to bless, 
When comes disease with all its peevishness, 
When pain wrings harsh words from once tend- 
er lips, 
Then, then is love's high triumph ; then we prove 
That love is no luxurious epicure, 
But an angelic minister. Ah ! now 



220 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

I prove this passion spirit-like and pure, 
Not sensual. My love is justified, 
Wearing the martyr crown. Victor, my love 
Was worthy of thy worth. Thy youthful glory 
Finer, indeed, and sweeter than the breath 
Of loveliest dewy flowers, attracted Mira, 
Yet could not of itself have won her heart 
Or gained her hand. Only thy lofty spirit 
Subdued her to this lowliness of love 
That worships at a prison or a tomb, 
Untempted of delight. Ah! if thy mind 
At last hath failed thee, and thy presence dear 
Is taken from me, I'll still wait beside thee, 
Nor be impatient till the hour of doom, 
Faithful forevermore, till in some bath 
Of liquid stars far off from this poor earth 
Thou art restored, and turning unto Mira, 
As one that wakes from dreaming, thou dost find 
That I ami close beside thee, watching true, 
Keeping myself all virgin for thy love, 
Ready to give thee my unsullied hand 
To renew the journey together. If thou sleep, 
I will lie down beside thee in the tomb ; 
And if I wake first, I will watch thy slumber 
And wait till thou art ready to go with me. 
Ere I depart. I will stay there forever. 
Rather than go without thee. Ah, indeed 
I will be patient ! patience is woman's valor. 

///. Before the Cell. Melno and Mira. 
Mi. May I see Victor now? 
Mel. Of course you may. 

You see the door is open ; just go in, 
You may see him if you wish ; but you will find 
He'll not talk much today. 
Mi. Why will he not? 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 221 

Mel. Because you'll find he's dead. He killed 

himself 
This morning with a knife. He could not bear 
The torments of his guilt. I felt quite sure 
The law was right. Poor man ! This proves his 

crime 
Beyond a doubt. Go in, why don't you? See, 
The door is open. What's the matter? Woman. 
Why are you standing there? What ails the 

gypsy 

That she doesn't budge? Lady, I'm very sorry, 
I'm sorry that it happened ; but such things 
Must happen in our world ; we all must die. 
Death is a common thing; so never mind. 
Cheer up, good woman, God is merciful, 
And who can tell but he may find some means 
To save your husband yet, and cleanse away 
This dreadful crime. She doesn't know a thing, 
No more than he does. Annat, Annat, Annat! 
Do run and fetch a doctor and a priest, 
Both of them, mind. I don't know which she 

needs. 
Poor woman ! She shall have the finest broth 
That my good wife can make. 

IV. Nirus, Cotaminus and other Ministers. 
Melno. Mira enters. 
Mi. One, one more niche must now, must now 

be filled 
Of this sepulchral globe, and one more void 
Be left responsive in a human heart. 
Oh, they are heartless! They are murderers, 
Who triumph in my woe. Even when I ask 
Only to have his cell the little while 
That I remain on earth, they drive me forth 
From that dear refuge. Think they I am worthy 



222 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

Of a happier life than Victor's? I would live 

As he has lived so long. If they refuse, 

I can at least die such a death as Victor's. 

Were it not a crime for me to live on still, 

Happy and free after his piteous fate? 

M el. Poor thing ! She need not have a fear that 

she 
Will ever be happy. 

[Mira goes out, and then re-enters. 
Mi. O self -abandoned Nirus, 

You have not yet been tried. The time will 

come, 
When, in the battle's roar, with deadly foes 
Thronging around you, and the ill-got power 
Fast slipping from you, you will find at last 
How weak a thing you are. Then will you long 
For Victor's coolness and sagacity 
To be your guidance. You will call on Victor, 
And hearing not his footstep's quick approach, 
You will be panic-stricken, and will die 
A craven's death, vain suppliant for mercy. 

[Goes out and then re-enters. 
Co. Shall we have the woman ejected? 
Mel. Speak the word. 

And I'll not shirk my duty. 
Ni. Suggest it not. 

I and my empire are at Mira's beck. 
Assuring her protection wheresoe'er 
She wander in her sorrow and distraction. 
Mi. Now he is dead ; he is removed at last, 
And cannot harm you. Now will you admit 
That he was guiltless? Be less cruel, Nirus. 
And tell me you believe him innocent. 
NL Noble woman, unhappiest of wives, 
I cannot say it. Comfort come to Mira ! 
And all rewards of loyalty and love 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 223 

Bless her forever! 

Mi. You know not of love, 

Or you would be less heartless. Woman's grief 

Moves not your lone and loveless desolation. 

I ask no more of him, but turn to you [to 2nd 

minister 
Was Victor guilty? 

2nd M. Honored of womanhood, 

For your sake I am willing to forget 
That he was guilty. 

Mi. Oh ! the emperor 

Gave you the cue. What else could you have 

said 
Without some taint of treason ? You, at least, 

[to 3rd minister 
Have independence. Was he not innocent? 
3rd M. He was not guiltless ; but your lofty 

faith 
Shall be his absolution unto us 
And unto heaven. 
Mi. You are a courtier, too. 

Israel, do you believe him guilty? 

4th M. Poor woman, I have never dared to say 

That any man is guilty. 

Mi. Oh, once more! 

4th M. It may be he was innocent. 

Mi. Thank God! 

1 knew the tide would turn. O noble Jew, 
Let me kiss your hand! God bless you! I'm so 

glad 

That I have lived for this! They pity me; 

But you have given me comfort. Have you chil- 
dren? 

4th M. I have none living. 

Mi. Ah, I am so sorry! 

I have no children, either. Nirus there 



224 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

Has sentenced me to childlessness forever, 
Thinking I'd not be good at rearing courtiers. 
You and I have no children. If we had, 
If we had children, we could teach to them 
That Victor was not guilty, till the world 
Would sometime be converted. Yet we two 
Will spend our lives in doing this good work, 
Till all acquit him, and this emperor, 
This atheist, who knows not love or pity 
Becomes the execration of mankind. [Exit. 
Ni. Only a hangman ! Is this the kingly glory 
That lured my youth? 
Mi. [Without — sings. 

Under a hillock green 

A wild bird's tiny nest, 

And the white little eggs in hope serene, 

And the mother's downy breast. 

Above, the encircling sky, 

Now smiling, and now a-f rown ; 

And the glorious suns, and the vision high 

Of starlight streaming down. 

Under the hillock green 

The tiny wild-bird's nest, 

And the white little eggs in hope serene, 

And the downy mother's breast. 
Ni Alas ! I feel 

That I have been dethroned ; the diadem 
Of poesy that rested on my brow 
Is gone, is gone for aye ! Is't well, I wonder, 
Is't well to lose all beauty and delight 
From out our vision to be made a part 
Of the world's joy and beauty? To lose God 
From out our contemplation as we sink 
[ore rtear his soul, identified with the eye 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 225 

That seeth not itself? 

Mel. Just what I say 

To Myron over our bumpers. 

Ni. Melno, peace! 

You thrust yourself in to no purpose. 

Mel. I keep forgetting. 

I must be more careful. 

A masked Assassin entering aims a pistol at 
Nirus. Melno rushing between is fatally 
wounded. The Assassin escapes. 
Co. Nirus, that woman's work. 

Ni. Yes ; but molest her not. 
Mel. O sir, are you safe? 

Ni. I am saved, my deliverer ! 
Mel. Then I die happy ! 

Co. He tries 

To continue. 

Mel. Did I— 

Ni. Yes, Melno. 

Mel. Did I— 

Ni. I hearken 

Mel. Did I thrust myself in to some purpose? 
Ni. My hero of heroes ! 

V. — Death-bed of Cotaminus. Nirus and Min- 
isters. 

Co. My emperor, I die. 

Ni. Honored and loved, 

Farewell, farewell ! 

Co. I have served you faithfully. 

Ni. My worthy friend, you have in truth been 

faithful, 
Faithful and honest, diligent and earnest, 
As such a calm and peaceful death confirms. 
He that has not yet died a death like this 
Has not yet reached the crown of life. This 

death 



226 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

Completes the symmetry of a pure career. 

Co. And I am to die tonight ! Will 't not seem 

strange 
For me to lie on past the dawn, nor rise 
To do the morrow's duties ? Ah ! I feel, 
In these last moments, all appendages, — 
Pleasures and pains, desires and dreads and 

dreams, 
Have all departed. Nothing now remains 
But mere existence, its profoundness now 
No longer lost in myriad shifting forms 
Of petty emotion. Life, "the while it lasts, 
Is its own eternity. Hath not each instant 
An immortality of its own ? If life 
Cannot continue always, I am glad 
To have the substitute of such a death. 
While I am living have I not all life 
That I desire? And I shall care for none 
When I am dead. 

Ni. And is there anything 

That I can do ? Anything that you wish ? 
Co. Nothing except my life; and since I know 
I cannot keep that, I bequeath it now 
To all posterity. 

Ni. Posterity 

Will cherish it. I feel you have not reached 
The height you merited. More lofty honors 
Were waiting for you ; they will come at last 
After your death. 

Co. A dreamless sleep, indeed, 

Hath naught of pleasure; yet the luxury 
Of sinking down in sleep's delicious arms 
Compensates for the long, long, silent night, 
And makes the experience precious. 
Ni. Ah, he is gone! 

Farewell, farewell! He spent a long career 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 227 

In service of his country, and through all 

His honor ne'er was doubted. True, he lacked 

In gentle qualities, was practical, 

Nor gave high names to things, and seemed at 

times 
Obtuse to some fine feelings ; yet within 
His patient heart was true. [Exit.] 
2nd Minister. He is deeply moved. 

2>rd M. I seldom have beheld him so affected. 
4th M. The state has had great loss. Cotaminus 
Was always cool and thoughtful. When the rest 
Were quite disabled by excitement, he 
Continued still sagacious and serene. 
$th M. He was the hardest worker in Talinis, 
A sober man burdened with world-wide cares. 
'Twas seldom that he smiled. 
2nd M. He was quite free 

From self-conceit. 

4th M. Do you not all remember 

The playful-serious eulogy of Nirus, 
Only last month? "Be yours," said he, "forever 
The canonization of common sense, of freedom 
From the vice of being good." 
$th M. Without a doubt 

Nirus preferred him. Likely had he lived 
He would have gained the throne. Now he is 

gone, 
Who will succeed in honor? 
2nd M. Sirs, I trust 

That I shall have your influence in obtaining 
The vacant ministrv. 

yrd M. I crave your pardon. 

Methinks that post belongs of right to me. 
$th M. Wait ! I myself have claims a thousand- 
fold 
Stronger than yours. But shame upon you both, 



228 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

To violate the presence of the dead. 

And the emperor's bereavement ! 

2nd M. Ha! not I 

Have caused this scene, but you that enviously 

Grudge my legitimate claims. 

6th M. I'll go straightway 

To seek for Nirus, and appeal to him 

Against your base and covetous designs ! 

[Exeunt. 

VI. Battlefield on the Seashore. Two Offi- 
cers conversing. 

ist Of. The tragedy of genius blackens now ; 
The final peal is nigh. 
2nd Of. Life is grown horror. 

1st Of. After so great a reign, crowded so full 
With lofty deeds of peace and war, so famed 
In all the people's love, now all at once 
Society dissolves. 

2nd Of. To manage men 

Needs a lion-tamer's nerve. Only so long 
As one can keep his eyes unwavering, 
And steadfast stand, they crouch and cringe be- 
fore him ; 
But let him falter or relax his gaze, 
They leap at once to his throat. 
ist Of. Do you suppose 

That this upheaval could have been prevented 
By any human power? I cannot see 
That Nirus was at fault. From the lava-fire 
Of inner earth this earthquake took its rise, 
And might not be repressed. 
2nd Of. Yet recently 

You know he has blundered, by one compromise 
Followers once devoted. Save for that slip 
Weakening his righteous cause, driving away 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 229 

There were another chance, and this dread hour 
Would not hold all our hope. 
1st Of. His loss of sleep, 

And abstinence from food impaired his judg- 
ment, 
Till he made that sad mistake. But now at 

last 
He is again himself, and he may yet 
Retrieve our fortunes. 

2nd Of. Yes ; he now has dined, 

And is once more a king. 'Tis wonderful 
How much creative genius lies concealed 
In a dish of tubers, how much royalty 
In a little bread. 

1st Of. Not every man is able 

To turn such substance into royalty ; 
His is a rare digestion. 
2nd Of. Ah! 'tis sad 

That things so petty work so awful wreck. 
When a sacred nation's fate 
Hangs upon a single creature, 
That should render him too great 
For the common needs of nature. 
Nirus enters. 
Ni. Ah! you were right. Had I followed your 

advice, 
Earth's future now were brighter. I imagined 
That one small indirection would subserve 
Our sacred purpose. Now I realize 
I had saved the ideal end by means ideal, 
And my conscience were exultant. I preferred 
The judgment of my trusted counselor. 
The wise Cotaminus, before the dictates 
Of my own more sensitive conscience. What 

evil charm 
Has made me act so madly? 



230 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

ist Of. Now, indeed, 

You act most madly when you risk your life, 

As you do to-day. 

2nd Of. Our prince, we draw from you 

Our vital pulse. We would shield this heart of 

us 
Lest it be pierced, and the nation's life be ended 
At a single blow. 

Ni. A pleasant dogma, truly, 

That has made excuse for acts of cowardice 
In many a man of valor. When you desire 
That I act the craven for my country's sake, 
You ask too much. 'Tis sacrifice enough 
That I give my life. Must I yield my very 

honor, 
And leave my memory ruined? 
2nd Of. If you are brave, 

As all the world attests, what further need 
To prove yourself? It cannot be you fear 
Lest men may think you timid ? 
ist Of. If you do, 

O'ercome that fear for our dear country's sake, 
Whose fate is linked in yours. 
Ni. Each man on earth 

Is quite superfluous, so many others 
Being ready to take his place. You'll never lack 
For men to rule you. There are everywhere 
Tough skulls to wear the crown, and patient 

limbs 
To hold the hard high seat ; but there are few 
Unselfish souls to render daring deeds 
And by the inspiration of example 
To multiply the valiant and the true. 
There are more princes in the world than heroes. 
And if you lose a prince to gain a hero, 
Happy is history. But will you go, 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 231 

To the right wing, one — the other to the left 
And carry these instructions? [Exeunt officers. 

O my soul, 
Crucified to the body, when at last 
Will all be over and the darkness come? 
See these mad soldiers. Love to them this 

moment 
Is foreign as a thought that ne'er hath stirred 
Under their shaggy breasts. In such a mood 
Would they not rend their tender wives and 

babes 
Were foemen not in sight? And I, their chief, 
Calmly direct this fury I feel not, 
A cunning Mephistopheles. Indeed 
War hath no saintship; he that sheddeth blood, 
Even in the holiest cause, must ever bear, 
Must bear forever on his ruined front 
The brand of Cain. Now do the latter days 
Involve decrepit earth? Now must the lights, 
The holy lights of science be extinguished? 
The vestal fires of poesy expire, 
Leaving no spark to be renewed again, 
If better times should come ? Must all our wealth, 
This long developed wisdom and devoutness, 
Must all be lost by one degenerate age, 
And earth be left to recommence its life, 
As nothing had been gained ? That I have failed 
Is not my shame alone, but Nature's too. 
Nature defeated hath not lifted soul 
Above the needs of matter. Now the sun 
Seems to be burning low; and matter fails, 
And soul fails with it, and the world is lost, 
In spite of all philanthropy. Alas! 
They would not think. How could they ? Twas 

too much 
For those poor sleepy heads. I tried to stir them, 



232 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

To spur them on like school-boys. Then I roused 

them, 
Till wolf-like they howl for my blood, 
i st Officer re-enters. 

How fares the field ? 
ist Of. Still subbornly contested. So unyield- 
ing 
Are both antagonists, rooted so firm 
The fearful pageant, like a monstrous forest 
Sprung from the soil, that one might half expect 
The bloody show to last forevermore 
A feature of the landscape. Verily, 
A strife so matched would be perpetual, 
If men were not thus mortal. 
Ni. Will you now 

Hasten to Alson? Bid him lead across 
To yonder hill his battery, and defend it 
Against all possible comers. [Exit ist Officer. 

Even in youth 
The swift decadence of our peasantry 
I noticed with alarm, and marvelled much 
The king could be so blind, permitting thus 
The ruin of the country. Oftentimes 
I talked with Phinon, and again with Victor, 
And with Cotaminus ; and then we four 
Combined in lasting league to civilize 
This barbarous age. Among the lowliest homes 
Schools should be planted, and the ranks of 

learning 
Should be recruited yearly. Once again 
The forge should teach philosophy, the plow 
Should yield immortal poems. Ours should be 
A country to be proud of. Peasantry 
Make up a nation ; peasants must be noble, 
Or kings can not be patriots. We resolved 
To have a land like those of olden times, 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 233 

Which kings and nobles could remember proudly 
And die defending. Thus we four would tame 
With patient effort all these savages, 
Assimilate them into citizens, 
Make them a people. Ah! were one but left mc 
Of those my colleagues, I should not today 
Feel this despair. Two of these missionaries 
Have rushed in frenzy from their shrines away, 
And plunged with yells into the midst, them- 
selves 
Transformed to cannibals. The third is gone, 
A manly soul, worn out before his time 
With faithful toil ; and I alone am; left, 
Alone on earth, surrounded every side 
With surging savage hordes. Now do I hide me, 
Forced to abandon proselyting henceforth, 
And flee for refuge. All I now desire 
Is some obscure retreat, where I may crouch 
In breathless safety, while they howl without 
And do their will. If they would all prefer 
The privilege of burning at the risk 
Of being burned, why, let them merrily 
Burn one another. Ah ! too well I see 
By my resistance to their growing fury, 
I foil them now only to suffer more 
When they at last shall seize me. How the 

flood 
Is rolling round me far above my head! 
Awhile the dike that I have built about me 
Will keep the waters out ; but finally 
The waves will burst through all with violence 
As great as my resistance and delay. 
What is a king? His royal offices 
Make delicate his body till a peasant 
Could tear his frame like cobweb. He forgets. 
And thinks himself omnipotent. Awhile, 



234 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

With all these shouting millions gathered round, 

Praising us in a trivial caprice, 

How proud our mien ! And how we lord it o'er 
them, 

Not seeming to perceive at all, poor things ! 

That all these crowds only amuse themselves, 

And have us in their power ! How piteous 

The sight of one pale, vulnerable mortal, 

With a few poor threads of gauze half -inter- 
posed 

Between his subjects and his nakedness, 

Striving to sway a people, menacing, 

Trying to fright them to obedience, 

As if not knowing they at any time 

Could rend him like a parchment! Sage or king 

May serve a savage for a barbecue, 

Valued according to the quality 

Of the flesh he yields. 

2nd Officer re-enters. 

2nd Of. I'm back, sir. 

Ni. What report? 

2nd Of. So even-balanced is our fierce en- 
counter 

That e'en the artillery's sky-deafening roar 

Seems muffled in the hush of deep suspense 

Into a sort of silence. 

Ni. Order Cam 

To send a fourth toward yonder vantage-ground, 

Anticipating thus a hostile force 

That now moves thitherward. [Exit 2nd Officer. 

Cotaminus, 

How true thy warning words! and how I 
wronged, 

How I betrayed my sacred poetship 

When I assumed the crown! Less frivolous 

Should I have been, if I had wreathed my brow 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 235 

With simple ivy and had been content 

To write mere popular verse, though I was called 

To wear a true, high poet's crown of thorns. 

A crown of thorns I wear in very truth, 

But all without the halo. How I yearn 

Jo be once more the poet ! Gentlest Ena, 

Once more in thy fine presence! Had I lived 

The life ideal, lived a life of peace, 

Giving myself to thought, my life had then 

Been less imposing, less adapted then 

To epic, doubtless, or to tragedy, 

But how much more exalted ! 'Tis a crime 

For him that sees the ideal to degrade 

His holy priesthood, and to stain his hands 

With mere utility. Is he not bound 

To do his highest work, even though the weeds 

Grow rank about his door-step? Now I see 

I am the foolish man that built my house 

On vanities, not on the solid rock 

Of truth ideal. Ah ! had I been faithful, 

And reared the sacred shrines of poesy 

Beyond the howling of the wind and wave, 

My work of life had been immortal, then, 

Not toppling headlong at the first assault 

Of temporal circumstance. 

yd Officer enters. 
yd Of. Sir, I am sent 

From the left wing to beg for speedy aid 
To check a fierce attack made by a force 
Of far superior numbers. 
Mi. You may go 

To yonder regiment, and bid the colonel 
Hasten to bear relief. [Exit yd Officer. 

I cannot enter 
Into the battle's passion. No great thought 
Comes like an inspiration to reveal 



236 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

Clear to the end the varied combinations 
Of the day's victory. My mind is forced 
In other channels. Now philosophy, 
So long repressed, insists upon her sway 
And fills me with indifference to the issue 
Of all this noise and tumult. 

A Messenger enters, 
Mes. Nirus, fly ! 

For you have made the interval so great 
Between you and the army that the foe 
Hem in your body-guard. 
Ni. If they vouchsafe 

To free me from the burden of my crown, 
Even though the head go with it, I'll not 

grumble, 
I'll hail them gratefully. 

VII. Seashore. Nirus and Ministers. 
Ni. Ah ! I had thought 

That when that ancient flood overwhelmed the 

world, 
And from the wreck a chosen stock was saved, 
And over all appeared the iris-hues 
Of universal letters — that no more 
The race would be destroyed ; yet now again 
Another Rome is deluged, and again 
Earth is a seething whirlpool. Can it be. 
When we have spent our strength, and groaning 

sunk 
Into the vast abyss, that hour by hour 
The fury will subside, and peace and joy 
Return to bless the earth ? Ah ! hides this flood 
Religion and philosophy? And means it 
Only that these strong savages desire 
That we should civilize them ? Do they force us 
To minister to them ? Does the mighty instinct 
Of a noble race but seek thus franticly 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 237 

To be consummated? Though they themselves 
Cannot perceive the purpose, yet within 
This monstrous body doth some soul ideal 
Yearn in the dark and impel the gross mass on 
To a richer, nobler future? Thus of yore 
In the coarse Teutons that o'erwhelmed old Rome 
Was hid the soul of Germany and England 
And freedom's prophet-land across the sea. 
Is't God, "in whom all creatures live and move 
And have their being?" Do these deluge throes 
Mean only that at last the area 
Of civilization draws now to itself 
The whole world's life? The mighty currents 

all 
Hither direct themselves to be a part 
Of this our noble sea. There needs must follow 
A temporary vortex. Let the whole deep 
Commingle now its agitated flood 
With the infinite virtues of our great Talinis. 
All will be well. The ocean for a while 
Will be in perturbation ; and the clouds 
Will overwhelm the sunny peace of heaven ; 
Yet calm will come at last, and life again 
Will be in equilibrium. Who comes? 

Enter Officers of the hostile army. 
1st Of. Brave Nirus, we so fully trust your 

honor, 
That if you only abdicate the throne, 
Confessing Rahn our God as king of kings, 
Then live henceforth in silence, you are free ; 
If you refuse us, you shall meet a death 
Heroic in its anguish. 
Ni. In her presence ! 

If they so trust me, I will honor their trust 
By being true. Tell them I wait my death. 

[Exeunt officers, 



238 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

Is a king but clay for any brutal slave 
To knead into his image ? Can they change me 
To any shape obscene that strikes their fancy? 
Can they really raze the summit of my brain, 
And lodge the debris in my distended neck ? 
Can they sfTde my brow aslant, and fringe it 

with bristles? 
Can they take away a cubit from my stature 
And add it to my girth ? Have they not seen me ? 
Do they suppose my spirit smothered up 
In gallons of lard? Do they, indeed, suppose 

me 
A blear-eyed craven wretch with pipe in mouth? 
Whatever they have thought me, they shall learn 
That I am made of such material 
As may be shattered, but can not be shaped, 
Yea, substance that however broken, still 
Keeps the same symmetry. An honest man 
Was never made of dust, nor will return 
Into the dust. He cannot be unmade. 
ist M. You need not be unmade. Preserve 

yourself, 
And live your life in silent dignity, 
Scorning the world too much to give it tribute 
Of bootless opposition. For the ideal 
If her champion perish, how shall he realize 
The heavenly aspiration ? Were it not wisdom 
For the sake of that glorious object to abate 
A tithe of your scrupulous aim, and be content 
To approximate your purpose, achieving thus 
A tangible gain? 

Ni. A single dying gasp 

True to ideals, free from compromise 
With low utilities, is far more precious 
Than life eternal in subservience 
To the grossness of the real. 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 239 

2nd M. Be not rash. 

Ni. These knees were never made for genuflec- 
tion, 
These shoulders for yoke-bearing. This is my 

chance. 
I had been fearful lest some way my death 
Might breathe a calumny upon my life, 
Repudiating all its earnestness, 
Making it void. Were slow disease to come 
And bring its weakness, I might be induced 
To shameful conformation. But today 
I dare, I dare; the time is opportune. 
1st M. Think of the torture. 
Ni. I feel no wavering. 

There is no power to intimidate 
An upright man. His spirit is impelled 
As irresistibly to stand its ground 
As the coward's is to flee. There may be ter- 
ror; 
But still is honor stronger than all fear, 
And holds the trembling limbs from ignominy. 
2nd M. What use to make resistance? What 

result 
Can follow such a course? 
Ni. When the designs 

That man pursues are rendered impotent 
Of their external purpose, still remains 
Necessity existing from within 
That they be followed to the uttermost, 
Whene'er 'twere shameful that they be aban- 
doned. 
The act begun, and not repented of 
Has passed beyond the power of fickle will 
To be the ward of honor. 
3rd M. But how proper, 

Now at the close of this illustrious reign, 



240 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

Quietly to withdraw and live at peace! 

Ni. I would not have a taint of doubt to mar 

My unstained honor. Choose for yourselves, 

my brethren, 
As you rate your merit. I feel that I deserve 
Even this stupendous sacrifice. Long years 
I have rejoiced in life's pure dignity; 
And shall I now repudiate it all 
By hurling from me all its blessed trophies, 
All acquisitions that have made it noble? 
All I have lived for is my manhood's honor ; 
Now when I find I have not lived in vain, 
Shall I throw from me all life's dear results, 
And leave the eager angel of my nature 
Henceforth to flee without a habitation, 
Crazed through chaotic space? 
A Herald enters. 
Her. Nirus, I herald 

Even him that leads our arms to victory. 
Ni. The mystery profound is yet unsolved 
Of his identity; and I am glad 
That I may see him. I can not even hear 
What name he goes by. 

Her. Mine is not the right 

To speak aught of him. It suffices me 
That he will give you such a fearful death 
As the ages have not dreamed. I will be present 
To encore your shrieks. Ah ! but for his re- 
straint 
How quickly we would rend you ! As of yore 
A tyrant wished of Rome, so I of tyrants 
Wish that they had one neck, that despotism 
Heaped in one house, might blow up all to- 
gether. 
And now my wish is granted ; here is Nirus 
With every crown upon his single head ; 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 241 

And we can strike and end all government, 
Bidding the nations in a frenzy of freedom 
Tear the old globe to pieces. All mankind, 
Like a milliard fierce Malays will run amuck 
And desolate creation. [Sings — joined by the 

advance guard, who now enter. 
Come hasten, now, for a rollicking game 
To the waist of the world, all men ; 
And string pontoons in the vernal flame 
Bridging rivers and oceans ; and then, 

Let us form a circle of linking hands 
That shall forty times girdle the earth, 
With all the people of all the lands 
Ashriek in immoderate mirth. 

Then let us join in an Indian dance 

To shake off the horrors of life, 

And swing the hatchet and fling the lance, 

Spring the arrow and plunge the knife. 

And every time when one falls dead 
Let us give a shout of glee, 
And heap the dust gayly over his head, 
And sing of the ceasing to be. 

And every time when one is born, 
Let us quickly dash out his brain, 
And hurl into coldness and stiffness forlorn 
Life's passion, impatience and pain. 

Let us stab the beating breast of the earth, 
Till his fiery blood runs out, 
And he reels into space to our infinite mirth, 
While the stars are aghast all about. 



242 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

Ni. See, friends! the night is come; the stars 

appear. 
Here is the ocean-beach ; and all night long 
The sea in striving to shake off the stars 
From its great bosom, only mingles them 
More closely with its waters. 

Phinon enters. The others, except Nirus and 
the Herald, withdraw. 

Phi. There were two angels in the universe, 
And one was Love, and one was Hate ; and these 
Were greater than all others ; and they strove ; 
And one was vanquished, and was hurled away 
Into the outer chaos. He that won 
Sublimely wrought the infinite expanse, 
Inventing harmony, a spirit-essence, 
To vitalize the void, and crystallize 
Like snow-flakes into myriad various forms 
Of cosmic life. But while he triumphed thus, 
Think not the rival tamely bore his fate, 
Or toiled impolitic; but he diffused 
His spirit, discord, through infinity, 
And organized the void in hostile empire 
To ruin all creation. I, like him, 
A fallen angel, with my attributes 
Remaining to me, all but love alone, 
Have made for me a kingdom in the midst 
Of this exalted sovereignty of yours, 
And ruined all. These long and peaceful years 
I have been slowly, surely building up 
A power to overwhelm you. I have blent 
All seething, hostile elements together 
In temporary concord ; anarchists, 
And the partisans of exiled royalty, 
And frenzied priests of a degenerate sect, 
Leading in packs their savage proselytes 
Of a dusky race — all bound in monstrous league 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 243 

For your destruction. Side by side arise 
The bellowing from hordes of cannibals, 
And hideous oaths and prayers more blasphem- 
ous 
In tarry volumes that obscure the sky, 
Transforming heaven to hell. This mighty host 
I have created. Well you marvel, Nirus, 
As men have marvelled at your own great deeds. 
Did you not know me once? Did you not think 
That I was equal to you? I retain 
The Nirus in me to accomplish wonders, 
Even in my spiritual fall. Behold my work: 
Your empire is no more; your death is near; 
And we have sworn your ruin to complete 
By hunting all your writings from the earth, 
To the last line. 'Twill be a miracle 
If a few pitiful fragments should survive, 
Even though the poorest, to inform the world 
That once a certain Nirus had existence, 
Who cherished hopes of fame. Ah ! I confess 
That part of me yet flinches in your presence", 
You triumph while you live; but now so soon 
You and your virtue will be blotted out, 
And I shall then be victor. I desired 
To see you living, groveling on the ground, 
The vital breath in your corrupted nostrils 
Serving no purpose but to keep you reeling 
Above the sod in sight of all men's loathing. 
Yet why? Is not the basest life on earth 
Better than dying? When you lie in death, 
You will be less than I, and I more noble 
Than Nirus then. Your death is near at hand ; 
And such a death! More full of agony 
Than you have ever dreamed. 
Ni. I bid it welcome. 

There is a martyr-passion in us all 



244 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

That leaps to meet the anguish. Let it hasten. 

I feel an exultation in my soul 

To temper all the terror. Tis a glory 

That we can suffer thus. I feel a pride 

To greet these Titan pains. Were we not great, 

We could not yield such mighty answering 

throes 
To meet our doom. 

Phi. But not mere torture only, 

But shame incredible shall you endure, 
To make you hideous in memory 
With such a death's disgrace. 
Ni. Ah, be it so! 

That, too, will prove a triumph. If our lives 
Were not exalted, we could never know 
Indignity or shame. I welcome that 
As part of martyrdom. As I am pure, 
You have no power to render me ignoble, 
Or make me loathe myself, or take away 
The sacredness of my pure memory. 
There is no shame but high-souled chivalry 
Is equal to it. I will trust myself 
Unflinching to my brothers' reverence, 
And look up fearless to the glorious heavens 
Through all that shame. Twill be another woe 
For pity's reverence. I received my life 
Devoutly from its sacred source; to-day 
I give it stainless back. My brethren wait me. 
Phi. You may rejoin them. [Exit Nirus. 

I am vanquished still. 
A nobleness within me leaps for joy 
To see this grandeur. I had thought that now 
The good in me was dead ; and yet I find it 
Vital as ever, captive, true, like Nirus, 
Awaiting martyrdom, yet living still, 
And fervent as of old. 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 245 

Her. And that was Nirus, 

The mighty man of earth? Why, he is tall; 

Yet not so big as I am. 

Phi. How indeed 

Should any man be famous, if his height 

Is not prodigious, and his strength of arm 

Not more than common ? Did he not make me 

quail ? 
Was that like common men ? Did you before 
E'er see me flinch? If you felt not his might, 
Tis only that so dull a clod you are, 
Without a spirit's vulnerabilities. 
Spoke he like other men? Did you not hear? 
Or was his mien like others? Did you mark 
How came the martyr-triumph to his face, 
The radiance and anguish and despair, 
The courage and the terror ? No ; of course 
You could not see them. Oh ! you need not fear 
Lest Phinon shrink. Fear not lest I abandon 
The purpose of my life. Even twice already 
Have I aimed the fatal blow. Twice did his 

minions 
My vengeance intercept, and with their blood 
Secure him respite till this fatal day 
That rounds the period of the weird creation 
And brings on chaos again. 

VIII. The Seashore. Nirus. 
Ni. Once more beside the sea, the scolding sea 
That chides its restless wavelets. Here I wait 
In new-attained tranquillity, not sharing 
The agitation of my foes, who fret, 
Arranging for my death. At last, at last, 
My head is burdenless ; my brow is free 
To the caressing breezes ; and the beams 
Of the sweet sun are lured back once again 
To wreathe my temples. Ah ! how many years 



246 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

Those beams have shunned me, constantly re- 
pelled 
By the coarse glare of worldly diadems! 
But now my brow is free, and once again 
The light can come and weave among my locks 
Its aureole of dreamery. Behold 
That little rise that slopes up to the sky, 
Showing a path to heaven ! How mystical 
These faint, ethereal perfumes, as they steal 
At intervals upon me like the breath 
Of a rich Aeolian harp ! The spring-times comes, 
The joyous spring-time; we can look again 
On pretty feet of children, and can hear 
The tender nuptial murmurs of the earth 
In a blessed tryst with heaven. Ah ! radiant day ! 
A day that has a halo like a saint ! 
How glorious it ends ! The imperial Sun, 
With but the splendor of his passing by 
Has kindled all the sky, and rippling flames 
Sweep o'er the west as o'er a summer prairie. 

ist Minister enters. 
1st M. Nirus, the time is near. 
Ni. And we are ready, 

Are we not, brother? 

1st M. Think you we shall die, 

And live no more? O Nirus, could such fate 
Follow a life like yours? 

Ni. I know not, friend. 

15/ M. But think of all your deeds. 
Ni. All over now, 

Such as they were, which, being such, bespeak 
Only a man, a living man, no more, 
Nor, thanks to nature, less ; in common moods 
Merely a gossip, in great situations 
Rising straightway a hero. 
ist M. You have sat 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 247 

On the sovereign throne of earth. 

Ni. And now at length 

I lay me down in cheerful weariness, 

So tired I do not care to think of waking. 

1st M. That glorious face transcending light 

of suns, 
Will that face fade forever? 
Ni. I rejoice 

If but a moment I have been entrusted 
With some of heaven's rays; and I will keep 
The sacred trust, guarding myself devoutly. 
Not to disgrace the spirit. 
1st M. These high thoughts, 

And this life-long devotion, can all this 
Be unrewarded? 

Ni. Yea ! At least I hope 

That Nature doth not give her sanction thus 
To our coarse bargaining. Let her demand, 
And let us give a sacrifice, nor chaffer 
In terms of usury. 

1st M. Then you are certain 

That you will live no more beyond today ? 
Cruel is your despair, involving thus 
Us feebler souls. 

Ni. Shall we not be in error 

If we hope too much, and so becloud our vision 
With mists of fancy, like luxurious fogs 
Of Oriental incense? Be we brave 
And patient to the end, and honestly 
Wait for the truth, pleased with uncertainty, 
Glad of the rich, full mystery in death, 
Exulting in a faith too ignorant 
For even a hope. Ah! now, at last, my friend, 
After a blank of many barren years 
I stammer a death-hymn. Here approach our 

friends 



248 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

To sing my song. 

Enter Singers. 
Hymn. 
Why this doubting, dropping pronely? 
Certain is our destiny; 
To be true and tender only ; 
All the rest is phantasy. 

We are spirits just as truly, 
Though we perish in a day ; 
Guard the entrusted soulship duly ; 
Holy let it pass away. 

Let death have dominion never, 
Until life shall be no more; 
Let us keep the halo ever 
Round our life, till life is o'er. 

What of doubt and dying? Surely 
Past and future both are naught ; 
Let us keep the moment purely, 
Watching till relief is brought. 

See our ruined lives' prostration, 
Dying anguish and despair; 
See the near annihilation ; 
What of that? We need not care. 

Let the chaos devastate us, 
Overwhelm us when it will ; 
Demons cannot violate us, 
While our hearts are fervent still. 

Let them flame in phantom riot, 
Till, acclimatized below, 
We shriek not, and hell is quiet 
With the fullness of our woe. 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 249 

What of that? Why need we fear it? 
If they leave us sacred still, 
They may have us, body, spirit, 
Do with us whate'er they will. 

But one dread for our endeavor, 

Lest we cease to be devout ; 

Keep us free from that forever, 

Welcome ruin, welcome rout. 
Other Ministers enter. 
2nd M. Nirus, the time 

Is close at hand. 

yd M. An hour sooner, Nirus, 

Than we had heard. 

Ni. O good Cotaminus, 

I envy thee, the only one deemed worthy 
Of a peaceful end. 

1st M. I see our death-men coming. 

Ni. Now calm, my brothers, calmer than hith- 
erto, 
Worthy of this great moment. Lo! the sweet 

breezes, 
On missions that we cannot understand, 
As hastening by they go, how serious, 
And yet not stern! They go by hand in hand, 
And seem to love; and they are bright with 

sunbeams, 
Like a saint's halo. They caress our faces, 
Passing their soft hands lightly through our 

hair, 
Setting it gladly free. Earnest are they, 
And yet not stern or troubled ; light of heart, 
And yet not frivolous. They speak to us 
Of joy and care-free living ; and they go 
On missions that we almost understand. 
O bright-eyed, tripping fairies, full of cheer, 



250 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

What can ye be ? Are ye not embryo thoughts ? 
Or radiant prairie-fays? or Nereids 
Home-hastening from a joyous holiday, 
Bearing the wreaths of light that ye have 

plucked 
From the descending sun? In shining motion, 
Mixture of rippling cool and warmth, the light, 
The dancing light goes by. How now it quick- 
ens, 
As if the sun had struck a livelier strain, 
Compelling the bright pageant to advance 
With nimbler footstep! Boisterous-gentle winds, 
Myriads of them, coming from the west, 
That gather sunbeams up, and shake them out 
Into a shining mist; frolicsome winds, 
Glad, sunny winds in April's tresses fair ; 
Mock-martial winds, with sheen of fairy armor. 
Thus playful seem the winds, and yet withal 
So earnest that in passing they appear 
To drop a hurried exhortation, sweet 
With promise. 

Enter Phinon and his Follozvers. 
In her presence! 
Phi. Halt, men ! Nirus, 

Here's the logic of our creed. You were a 

dastard, 
And shrank from consequences, though you 

knew 
Virtue had not reality sufficient 
To survive three-score and ten. I give you now 
A traitor's due — you that abandoned me 
In my consistent service of despair, 
Left me alone, and went off by yourself, 
Disguised in virtue's weak hypocrisy, 
That livery of cowards. None the less, 
I learn my faith of you. 



EMPIRE OF TALINIS 251 

Ni. Alas ! then, Phinon, 

Would I had ne'er been born. 

Phi. Oh! soon enough 

Like one unborn you'll be. Long have I striven 

To render you that service. Twice my blows 

Have sought your heart; and twice a substitute 

Fell in your stead; but now — 

Ni. O Phinon, stop! 

Victor was innocent ? 

Phi. Could such a weakling 

Attain guilt's heroism ? 

Ni. Cotaminus ! 

Was he, too, thus deceived? 

Phi. Cotaminus ? 

He was my partner. 

Ni. Ha ! my alchemy 

Has mingled not the ideal and the real 

In the right proportions. 

Phi. When within your mortars 

You bray together infernal and divine, 

The stronger force prevails. Your vaunted divine 

Inevitably succumbs. 

Ni. Come on, ye flames, 

Penetrate to my marrow; I'll not feel you. 

Phi. Yea, come, swift flames. Aha! injurious 

fate 
Must now be quick, indeed, to check my triumph. 
I shall outlive my foe. 
Ni. O Ena, Ena! 

[Phinon stabs himself. As he dies, a number 
of his followers, clasping hands, form a circle 
about him, and sing, Phinon joining them till his 
voice fails.] 

Song. 

Maddened world, thy future quiet 

Seem I now to see ahead; 



252 DRAMAS OF CAMP AND CLOISTER 

For this raging and this riot, 
Utter stillness then instead. 

Pallid, unimpassioned, ghastly, 
Bloodless as the corse-like moon, 
Thou wilt hang forever vastly, 
Listless of the flaming noon. 

Fiends of passion come to bait thee, 
Then will find thee nerveless quite ; 
Impotent to irritate thee, 
They will rush in headlong flight. 

Mind, insanity of matter, 

Let it pass away from ken ; 

Let the tangled atoms scatter ; 

Bring the natural void again. 

The march begins. 
Ni. Ah ! brother, thou art free ; the world ex- 
pands, 
Till thou art in the universe, a part 
Of all its mystery. A moment more 
And I shall follow after. I come, I come, 
Impersonal Truth, unknown Beneficence, 
Source of my being. Into thy sheltering arms 
Return I now world-stained, too worn and 

weary 
For an adequate penitence, and yet, methinks, 
Not all disgraced. Into thy crucible 
Receive my spirit for such future use, 
Or such rejection as may please thyself. 



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